Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-21

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Number of shop closures and openings 2011– 2018

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the trend of the closing and opening of shops in a country from 2011 to 2018.

Both the openings and closings of shops followed a downward trend throughout the period. The margin between the number of shops opened in 2011 and 2018 is lower than that of closed ones.

Starting at around 8,500 in 2011, the highest number of closed shops throughout the period, the number fell to 4,000 in 2012, before increasing to just above 6,000 in 2014. The figure then declined modestly, remaining constant between 2015 and 2017, to reach 3,000 in 2018.

The opening of shops witnessed the most significant fluctuation, starting from approximately 6,500, the figure sharply declined to about 5,000 in 2015, which witnessed the minimum number of shops opened among all years. However, the number of shop openings managed to edge up to just above 5,000 in 2016. The figure then remained almost constant in the subsequent years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the trends and selects key data points to support the description. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the downward trend for both categories and the specific fluctuations. However, the comparison between the two categories could be more explicit. For instance, you mention the margin between 2011 and 2018 but do not clearly contrast the overall volume of closures versus openings throughout the period. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are highlighted more prominently in the overview and that comparisons are made consistently throughout the body paragraphs rather than just in the introduction.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction followed by body paragraphs that track the data chronologically. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two categories. Cohesive devices such as 'starting at', 'before increasing to', and 'however' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. The progression of ideas is generally smooth. To improve, ensure that the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is more seamless, and try to use a wider variety of cohesive links to connect the sentences within the paragraphs, avoiding a slightly mechanical feel in the reporting of figures.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, using terms like 'downward trend', 'fluctuation', 'declined modestly', and 'edge up'. These choices are appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is used with reasonable precision. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items related to data description, such as 'a marginal decrease', 'a significant disparity', or 'a period of relative stability', to show greater flexibility and control over the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Starting at around 8,500 in 2011, the highest number of closed shops throughout the period, the number fell to 4,000 in 2012'. Grammar is generally accurate, and punctuation is handled well. There are no major errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, aim for a greater variety of complex structures, such as using more passive voice constructions or varied subordinate clauses to describe the data, while maintaining the high level of accuracy currently displayed in your writing.

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