Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The provided line graph illustrates the figure of shop closures and openings in a country from 2011 to 2018.

Overall, the closures of shops experienced significant fluctuations over time compared to the openings. While the opening of shops represents decline in the final years, the closure increases after a significant drop in 2015.

In terms of closures, in 2011, around 6300 shops were closed down in the country. While the number slightly dropped to 6000 shops in the following year, it rose to roughly 7100 shop closures, the highest figure for this category in 2013, before it plummeted to less then 1000 shop closures in 2015, which was the least number noticed on the chart. However, in 2016, the number of shops that were closed down dramatically rose to around 5200 and hovered around that level till the end of the timeline.

Regarding the new shop openings, the number started off with about 8500 before it went down to 3900 new shops opening in the next year. Since then the figures increased slightly in 2014 (6100) and dropped again to 4000 new shops in 2015. Additionally, it plateaued at this level in the next year and increase by 100 new opening is 2017 before it dipped to it's lowest number to 3000 in 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and key features of the graph. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with relevant data from the chart. The comparison between the two categories is evident throughout the response. To reach a higher band, ensure that you avoid minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, you mentioned the closure figure 'plummeted to less then 1000' in 2015, whereas the graph shows it was closer to 500. Additionally, ensure that all data points are described with precision to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 8 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on closures and openings respectively. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In terms of', 'However', 'Regarding', and 'Additionally' to guide the reader through the information. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two main categories. The flow is consistent, and the use of referencing is generally clear, contributing to a well-structured report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision, using terms like 'plummeted', 'hovered', 'plateaued', and 'dipped'. There are occasional minor errors in word choice or spelling, such as 'less then' instead of 'less than' and 'it's' instead of 'its'. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating a slightly wider range of less common lexical items or more sophisticated collocations would enhance the quality of the response. Overall, the vocabulary is natural and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. While the majority of your sentences are clear, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'the figure of shop closures' (should be 'the number of'), 'increase by 100 new opening is 2017' (should be 'in 2017'), and 'it's lowest number' (should be 'its'). These errors are infrequent and do not cause difficulty for the reader. To improve, focus on proofreading for small errors in prepositions and possessive pronouns to ensure higher accuracy in your complex structures.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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