Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-03
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 7.5)
The line chart illustrates the number of shop closures and new shop openings in a specific country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, both shop closures and new openings showed a general downward trend with significant fluctuations over the 7-year period. In addition, while shop openings were higher than closures at the beginning, the pattern reversed by the end of the period.
In 2011, around 8,500 new shops were opened, which was the highest figure in the chart. However, this number dropped dramatically to nearly 4,000 in 2012. Over the next two years, shop openings increased steadily to about 6,200 in 2014, before falling again to 4,000 in 2015. Between 2015 and 2017, the figure stayed relatively stable at around 4,000 to 4,200, before finally decreasing to 3,000 in 2018.
On the other hand, shop closures started at about 6,400 in 2011 and reached a peak of approximately 7,200 in 2013. Following this, the number dropped sharply to its lowest point of around 600 in 2015. However, closures rebounded strongly to 5,200 in 2016 and remained stable around 5,000 to 5,200 in the final two years.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main features of the graph. You successfully identified the key trends, such as the initial higher number of openings and the eventual reversal of the trend. The inclusion of specific data points, such as the peak in 2013 for closures and the dramatic drop in 2012 for openings, demonstrates a good grasp of the data. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the main differences between the two categories. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully integrated; while you mention the reversal, a more explicit comparison of the specific years where the lines crossed would strengthen the analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus, moving from the introduction to the overview, and then detailing the two categories in separate paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'However', 'On the other hand', and 'Following this' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data-reporting task. Phrases like 'general downward trend', 'significant fluctuations', 'dropped dramatically', and 'rebounded strongly' show a good command of descriptive language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately to convey the trends shown in the graph. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently natural. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate a few more sophisticated, less common collocations or academic synonyms to further enhance the precision of your descriptions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('while shop openings were higher...', 'before falling again...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list data. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage (past tense for the historical data) is consistent throughout the report. The writing is clear and easy to follow, indicating a high level of grammatical competence.
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