Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The line graph illustrates the changes in the number of shop closures and openings in a specific country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, it is clear that both figures fluctuated over the period and ended lower than their initial numbers. Although closed shops were initially more numerous than open shops, shop openings consistently remained higher for most of the remaining years.
In 2011, shop closures started at a peak of 8,500, whereas shop openings were lower at around 6,400. Over the next three years, the number of closed shops experienced significant fluctuations before reaching approximately 6,200 in 2014. Meanwhile, shop openings dropped slightly to under 6,000 in 2012, before rising to a high of over 7,000 in 2013 and then dropping back to 6,500 in 2014.
In 2015, the number of shop openings dropped sharply to a low of nearly 500, while closures fell to 4,000. However, openings recovered dramatically to just over 5,000 in 2016 and stayed stable until 2017. Similarly, shop closures remained steady at 4,000 from 2015 to 2017. By 2018, both shop openings and closures fell to lower levels, finishing at around 5,000 and 3,000 respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and providing relevant comparisons. You have successfully highlighted the initial peak in closures and the subsequent fluctuations. The overview is clear and captures the general downward trend for both categories. You have selected key data points to support your descriptions, such as the 2011 starting figures and the 2018 finishing points. The information is accurate and well-summarised, meeting all requirements for a high band score. No significant omissions were noted, and the comparison between the two lines is consistent throughout the report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively by time periods. Cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'however', and 'similarly' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the initial trends from the later years. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical, which contributes to a professional and easy-to-follow report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data-driven task. Phrases such as 'experienced significant fluctuations', 'dropped sharply', and 'recovered dramatically' show a good command of descriptive language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately to convey the trends shown in the graph. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'number' or 'figures' could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used subordinate clauses effectively, such as 'Although closed shops were initially more numerous...' and '...before rising to a high of over 7,000...'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The grammatical range is sufficient to support the clear communication of the data points.
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