Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-01

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 6.0)

The graph illustrates the number of shop closures and opening between 2011 and 2018.

Overall, it is evident that new shops accounted for the highest openings in 2011 and the lowest number of openings in 2018, whereas the number of shops that closed represented fewer closings in 2011 and the highest number of closings in 2018.

Regarding to the opening of shops, 9000 shops stood at a higher figure in 2011 before sharply decreased to 4000 in 2012; it rose to 6000 in 2014, slightly dropped again 4000 in 2015, remained unchanged till 2017, and gradually decreased to 3000 by 2018.

Turning to the closure of shops, nearly 6000 shops registered in 2011, declined slightly to 6000 in 2012, before increasing to 7000 in 2013; it plummeted to about 500 shops in 2015. From then on, it rose sharply to approximately 5000 in 2016 and remained relatively stable by 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends. You successfully identified the starting and ending points for both categories. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you stated that closures 'plummeted to about 500' in 2015, whereas the graph shows a figure closer to 3000. Additionally, you mentioned closures 'declined slightly to 6000 in 2012' when the graph shows an increase. While the main features are highlighted, the lack of precision in data interpretation prevents a higher score. Ensure you double-check the figures against the axes to avoid misrepresenting the data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, and you use transition signals such as 'Regarding to' (though this is grammatically incorrect) and 'Turning to' to guide the reader. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two categories of data. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the transitions between sentences flow more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'accounted for', 'plummeted', and 'gradually decreased'. However, there are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'Regarding to' (should be 'Regarding') and 'represented fewer closings' (which is slightly unnatural). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and adverbs would help improve the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'shop closures and opening' (should be 'openings'), 'before sharply decreased' (should be 'before sharply decreasing'), and 'remained relatively stable by 2018' (which is slightly confusing in context). While these errors do not impede overall communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of participle clauses to improve your grammatical accuracy and range.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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