Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-22
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 5.5)
The line graph provides information about the number of shop inaugrated and shut down during the time span from 2011 to 2018 in a particular country.
Overall, there was a very high fluctuation in both the numbers. In around middle time business were doing well, as there was a very low shops that closed. Where as statistics about the shop opening data had declined over the time.
At very start in 2011 almost around 8,500 shops had started, which though went down to 4,000. By the year 2015 it stayed the same before the facing the growth of around 6,100. Eventually in 2018 it had reached it's lowest at 3,000 with the gape of almost 5,500 compare to 2011.
At start the number of shop closed were low with the number of around 6,400. 2015 was the only year where it had recorded lowest number of 500 which depicts the success of business in that year.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the overall decline in openings and the fluctuation in closures. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, the description of the 2015 data point as the 'lowest' for closures is accurate, but the explanation that this 'depicts the success of business' is an unnecessary interpretation that moves away from objective reporting. Additionally, some data points are described vaguely, such as 'almost around 8,500', which lacks the precision required for a Band 7+ response. To improve, ensure all key trends are supported by accurate data and avoid subjective commentary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'At very start' and 'Where as statistics' are used awkwardly, and the transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making the progression of ideas feel disjointed. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'subsequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus that flows naturally from the previous one.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate to convey the main points, but it is limited and contains several errors in word choice and collocation. For instance, 'inaugrated' is used incorrectly for shops (which are 'opened'), and 'gape' is used instead of 'gap'. There are also spelling errors such as 'inaugrated' and 'it's' (used as a possessive). The range of vocabulary is restricted, relying on basic descriptors. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'plummeted', 'stabilized', or 'a significant disparity'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include missing articles ('the number of shop'), incorrect verb forms ('there was a very low shops'), and subject-verb agreement errors ('the number of shop closed were low'). Punctuation is also inconsistent. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like pluralization and article usage would significantly improve the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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