Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The line chart illustrates the number of shop closures and new shop openings in a specific country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, both shop closures and new openings showed a general downward trend with significant fluctuations over the 7-year period. In addition, while shop openings were higher than closures at the beginning, the pattern reversed by the end of the period.
In 2011, around 8,500 new shops were opened, which was the highest figure in the chart. However, this number dropped dramatically to nearly 4,000 in 2012. Over the next two years, shop openings increased steadily to about 6,200 in 2014, before falling again to 4,000 in 2015. Between 2015 and 2017, the figure stayed relatively stable at around 4,000 to 4,200, before finally decreasing to 3,000 in 2018.
On the other hand, shop closures started at about 6,400 in 2011 and reached a peak of approximately 7,200 in 2013. Following this, the number dropped sharply to its lowest point of around 600 in 2015. However, closures rebounded strongly to 5,200 in 2016 and remained stable around 5,000 to 5,200 in the final two years.
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 all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the initial high point of openings and the dramatic drop in closures in 2015. The overview clearly highlights the general trends and the reversal of the relationship between the two categories. Comparisons are made throughout, such as noting that openings were higher than closures at the start, but the pattern reversed. The data is accurately reported, and the selection of key features is appropriate for a summary. No significant information is omitted, and the response provides a clear, logical overview of the data provided in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a clear purpose: the introduction sets the context, the second paragraph provides a concise overview, and the subsequent paragraphs detail the trends for openings and closures respectively. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', 'On the other hand', and 'Following this' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the information is sequenced in a way that makes the comparison easy to follow. The flow of information is smooth and coherent throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends accurately. Phrases like 'general downward trend', 'significant fluctuations', 'dropped dramatically', and 'rebounded strongly' demonstrate a good command of descriptive language suitable for Task 1. The vocabulary is precise and used correctly in context. While the range is effective, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms for 'number' or 'figure' to avoid repetition, though this does not significantly detract from the overall quality. The spelling is accurate throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response demonstrates a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('while shop openings were higher...', 'before falling again...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense is consistent. You have successfully used both simple and complex sentence forms to convey information clearly. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. The accuracy is high, and the structure of the sentences is varied enough to maintain the reader's interest and provide a professional tone.
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