Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-29
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 illustrates how much shops closed and how much opened in one nation between 2011 and 2018. Overall, maximum shops had opened from 2013 to 2014.
As it is presented in graph, the line that is representing the outlets that are opened from 2011 to 2018 fluctuates throughout its way. Firstly, the number of shops that are opened are above than 6000. In the meanwhile, the shops that had closed are at high equal to 8000 shops. Both the lines fluctuates from 2012 to 2013. Then in 2013 both the line are almost at the same point. Futhermore, the line againly fluctuates from 2013 to 2015. Second lastly, the number of shops opened remain almost same from 2015 to 2018. Lastly, the number of outlets closed remained same from 2016 to 2017 but the number of shops closed became minimum to 3000 shops that are closed in 2018.
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 trends and the final figures for 2018. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, the statement 'maximum shops had opened from 2013 to 2014' is imprecise, and the description of the trends lacks specific data points to support the comparisons. The report would benefit from a more structured approach, clearly contrasting the two categories (closures vs. openings) rather than describing them in a somewhat repetitive, line-by-line manner. While the main features are identified, the lack of precise data integration limits the depth of the response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into two paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally awkward, such as 'Second lastly' and 'againly'. While the reader can follow the general flow, the transitions between sentences are not always smooth, and the referencing is sometimes unclear. The paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs lacks the logical grouping of information required for a higher band score. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring a more natural flow between sentences would enhance the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'number of shops that are opened' and 'number of outlets closed' are used frequently. There are also instances of non-standard word usage, such as 'againly' and 'at high equal to'. While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is not sufficient to demonstrate flexibility or precision. To improve, you should aim to use a wider variety of verbs and nouns related to data description (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', 'witnessed a decline') and avoid repeating the same sentence structures.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'how much shops closed' (should be 'how many'), 'the line that is representing' (should be 'the line representing'), and 'both the line are' (should be 'both lines are'). Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are problematic throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to be noticeable and affect the overall quality of the writing. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for agreement errors would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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