Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-30
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 gives information about the number of new shops that were opened and the shops closed in a country from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, it can be seen that the number of new shops declined gradually during the whole period in contrast the number of shop closures fluctuated during these years.
Taking a closer look at the chart we can see that the number of openings in 2011 were 9500 that fall sharply in 2012 to 3900 then increases gradually to 6100 in 2014 then declined to 4000 in 2015 there was very little change up to 2017 however, decreased to 3000 in 2018.
Turning to the number of the shop closures in 2011 there were 6500 shop closures got decline to 6000 in 2012 then rose sharply to 7200 in 2013 however declined sharply to 500 in 2015 before reaching the peak of 5200 in 2016 and the number remaind the same untill 2018 but fluctuated very little 2017.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, listing figures without sufficient synthesis or comparison. For instance, the description of the closures in 2015 as '500' appears to be a misreading of the graph, which significantly impacts the accuracy of the report. While the main trends are identified, the lack of precise data interpretation and the inclusion of inaccurate figures prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure that data points are read accurately and that comparisons between the two categories are more explicitly drawn.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. However, the flow within the paragraphs is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of varied cohesive devices. Phrases like 'then increases' and 'then declined' are used repeatedly, making the writing feel mechanical. The transition between ideas is often abrupt, and the use of linking words is limited. To improve, use a wider range of cohesive devices such as 'subsequently,' 'in contrast,' or 'meanwhile' to connect sentences more fluidly and improve the overall progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks range and precision. The student relies on basic verbs like 'declined,' 'increased,' and 'fell.' There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'The gives information' (a grammatical error affecting lexical clarity) and 'got decline.' To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'plummeted,' 'surged,' 'remained stable,' or 'a marginal fluctuation.' Additionally, ensure that word forms are used correctly to avoid confusion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The gives information' (article/verb error), 'the number of openings in 2011 were' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'the number remaind the same untill 2018' (spelling and tense errors). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several run-on sentences lacking appropriate commas or conjunctions. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tenses for past data, and accurate spelling of common words like 'until'.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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