Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph shows trends in shop closures and openings of new shops in a particular country between the years 2011 and 2018.

In 2011 approximately 6,400 shops closed. The number of closures fluctuated over the next four years until 2015, when there was a dramatic fall in closures to roughly 700 shops. The following year the number of shops closing their doors rose sharply, reaching over 5,000. The figures remained steady for the next two years, with just over 5,000 closures in 2018

The number of new shops opening decreased dramatically between 2011 (approximately 8,500) and 2012 (just under 4,000) but rebounded by roughly 50% by 2014. In 2015, the number of openings then fell to the 2012 level, but remained stable for the next two years. The last recorded year, 2018, saw a further fall to 3,000 new openings, the lowest point in this seven year period.

Overall, the number of shop closures has remained within the 5,000 to 1,000 range (with the exception of 2015). In contrast, new shop openings have shown a wider range of figures, but generally indicate a downward trend over the same period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers the main features of the graph. You have identified the key trends for both shop closures and openings, and provided relevant data points to support your descriptions. The overview is clear and highlights the main differences between the two categories. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more explicit throughout the body paragraphs rather than just in the summary. For instance, you could have directly contrasted the peak of closures with the lowest point of openings in the same year to strengthen the analytical aspect of your report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on each category, and a concluding overview. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'The following year', and 'Overall' effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two main trends. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'dramatic fall', 'rose sharply', and 'rebounded'. The use of these terms is accurate and helps convey the information precisely. There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. While the vocabulary is effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'number' (e.g., 'the figure for', 'the quantity of') would further enhance the lexical quality.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have maintained a high level of accuracy throughout the response, with very few grammatical errors. Punctuation is generally handled well, though ensure consistency in your formatting of dates and numbers. The sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and clarity. The control over grammar is strong, and the occasional minor slips do not impede communication or cause any confusion for the reader.

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