Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-26
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 5.0)
This table illustrate the difference between the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018 .
Overall we can see the rise and fall in the chart of shops closure and opening that incredibly changes between 2011 and 2018
In 2011,we can look at the chart that approximately 6.5000 thousands number of shops remained closed and in the following years 6000 shops were shut down. Later in year 2013,there is a significant change in the number of shops that remained closed and it went to maximum 7.1 thousand numbers. In the next year which is 2014 we can see there is a downfall in the numbers if shops that remained closed. Therefore in 2015, there is unbelieveable change in the number of shops that closed from 2011. And in 2016 it goes to high again from hundreds to thousands again. Eventually in the coming years it remains stable at maximum rate
Firstly in 2011,the rate of opening of shops were high in the market it was around 8.5 thousands and in the next year which was 2012 the chart shows the very powerful change in the number of shops that opened in 2011 it goes from 8.5 thousands to 4 thousands In the processing years the number of shops that started to opened have grown from 2012 to 2014 in the next year there is a clash in numbers and it goes from 6 thousands to 4 thousands in year 2015 and 2016 the rate of opening remian same as it was 4 thousands in 2017 there is a slidely change in the rate and it comes to around 4.1 thousands. However in the next year there is a fall again in the number of shops that remain opened
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses the task by identifying the main trends in shop closures and openings. However, the analysis is hampered by inaccurate reporting of data. For example, the student mentions '6.5000 thousands' and 'unbelievable change', which are imprecise and confusing. The overview is also quite vague, failing to highlight the most significant trends, such as the overall decline in openings compared to the fluctuations in closures. While the response covers the period, the lack of clear, accurate data points and the tendency to use subjective language rather than objective reporting prevents it from reaching a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. Phrases like 'In the processing years' and 'In the next year which is 2014' feel unnatural and do not effectively link ideas. The progression of information is sometimes disjointed, particularly in the second paragraph where the narrative jumps between years without clear logical transitions. While there is an attempt to use paragraphing, the internal flow of ideas is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often imprecise. There are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'remained closed' (when referring to closures), 'clash in numbers', and 'slidely change'. The student struggles with numerical expressions, writing '6.5000 thousands' and 'hundreds to thousands', which are mathematically unclear and non-standard. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the information with the necessary precision required for an Academic Task 1 report. More precise terminology related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'declined', is missing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but these are frequently marred by grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('the rate of opening of shops were high'), incorrect verb forms ('remian same'), and punctuation errors. There is a lack of control over sentence boundaries, leading to run-on sentences. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors is high, and the lack of grammatical accuracy often impedes the flow of the report. The student needs to focus on basic sentence construction and consistent verb tense usage.
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