Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-23

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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops opend in particular country between [redacted phone].

Overall,the number of new shops openings declined considerably over the period,depsite some fluctuations.In contrast,shop closure varied substantially,reaching at peak in 2013 before falling sharply in 2015.By 2018,closures outnumbered openings.

In 2011,approxmiately 8,500 new shops opened,compared with around 6,400 closures.The number of opening fell dramatically to 4000 in 2012,before recovering steadily to about 5000 in 2013 and 6100 in 2014.After that the figure decline and reached approxmiately at 4000 in 2015 and remaining stable at around 4,300-4,500 in 2016 and 2017.Finally,it dropped about 3000 in 2018.

The number of closures followed a different pattern.Starting at roughly 6,400 in 2011 and it decreased slightly to 5,900 in 2012.Then,it rose to peak at approxmiately 7,200 in 2013.In 2014 it remained at around 6,500.Closures plunged at only 1000 in 2015.However.it goes up at around 5,100 in 2016 and remaining stable at around 5,000 and 5,200 in 2017 and 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the data. You have highlighted the key features, such as the decline in openings and the fluctuating nature of closures, and made relevant comparisons between the two categories. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of specific figures supports your observations well. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview is even more distinct and that the comparison between the two trends is consistently maintained throughout the body paragraphs, rather than just describing each line separately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively. You have used some cohesive devices, such as 'In contrast' and 'After that', to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by minor mechanical errors in punctuation and sentence structure, such as the full stop used incorrectly in 'However.it goes up'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing is precise would help the text flow more naturally and move into the higher band range.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends, including terms like 'fluctuations', 'outnumbered', 'plunged', and 'recovering steadily'. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, there are several spelling errors, such as 'opend', 'depsite', 'approxmiately', and 'decline' (used instead of 'declined'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for common spelling mistakes will significantly improve your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you have successfully used some complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('the figure decline', 'it goes up at') and prepositional errors ('reaching at peak'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage and the aforementioned incorrect full stop. To improve, focus on ensuring consistent tense usage throughout the report and refining your control over sentence structure to minimize these recurring errors.

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

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