Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-31

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 illustrates the figure for closed and newly opened shops in a country from 2011 to 2018.

Overall, both categories declined over the period although the number openings showed a considerable fluctuation, while the number for closed shops fluctuated dramatically. At the start of the period, the number of new shops was higher than the closed ones, as compared to the end of the period, when closed shops exceeded the number of the newly opened shops.

In 2011, around 8,500 shops were opened, while roughly 6,400 shops were closed. However, the figure for new openings plunged to 4,000 in 2012, whereas the figure for closed shops decreased slightly to 6,000 during the same period. Furthermore, in 2014, the figure for opened shops was just over 6,000, while the figure for closed shops was around 6,400.

By contrast, the number of closures bottomed out at around 650 in 2015, and then soared to just above 5,000 in 2016. During the same period, the figure for openings levelled off at approximately 4,000. Finally, by 2018, the figure for openings declined to 3,000, while the closed figure increased to just over 5,000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the data. You have successfully highlighted the key shift from shop openings exceeding closures to the reverse by the end of the period. The data is accurately reported, and comparisons are made throughout the text. To reach a higher band, ensure that all significant data points are clearly linked to the years provided. While the overview is good, you could further enhance the response by explicitly mentioning the peak or trough years for both categories to provide a more comprehensive summary of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'however', 'furthermore', 'by contrast', and 'finally' to connect your points effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the data. The referencing is generally clear, although the transition between the overview and the first body paragraph could be slightly more seamless to improve the flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends, such as 'plunged', 'soared', 'levelled off', and 'bottomed out'. These choices show an awareness of style and precision. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is accurate for the context of the task. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied ways of referring to the data points, such as 'the number of closures' versus 'the figure for closed shops', to avoid slight repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the control over grammar and punctuation is consistent throughout the text. You have used complex structures effectively, such as 'while the number for closed shops fluctuated dramatically' and 'as compared to the end of the period, when closed shops exceeded the number of the newly opened shops'. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is high.

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