Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The line graph provided information about the number of shops that closed and the of modern shops that opened in a country from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, the number of shops opening and closing were grater in 2011. After five year later, the number of shop openings reaching last stage in 2015 then over the period it had reached staple. However, shop Closures had fluctuated each year.
At the beginning of 2011, the number of shop closures were standing the highest level at 8,500 while it was decreased reaching 4,000 in 2012. Over the period it was increased gradually almost 6,000 and again dropped reaching 4,000 in 2015. Although, it had remained same from 2016 to 2017. At the end of 2018, it was dropping slightly reaching 3,000
Furthermore, in 2018 the number of shop openings were 6,000 less than closures. While it was increased slightly almost 7,000 in 2013 to 2014. In 2015, it was reaching zero, after 2016 it was reaching staple again around 5,000. However, at the end of 2018 the number of openings had remained same.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the initial high point in 2011 and the general trends for both closures and openings. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in data interpretation. For instance, the claim that openings reached 'zero' in 2015 is not supported by the graph, and the statement that openings were '6,000 less than closures' in 2018 is factually incorrect based on the visual data. While the overview attempts to highlight trends, the lack of precision in reporting figures and the misinterpretation of the data points prevent a higher score. The response addresses the task but lacks the accuracy required for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by confusing phrasing and inaccurate cohesive devices. Phrases like 'After five year later' and 'Over the period it was increased' are awkward and hinder the flow of information. While there is an attempt to use linking words such as 'Furthermore' and 'However', they are often used incorrectly or do not logically connect the ideas presented. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which trend is being discussed at certain points in the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of incorrect word choice, such as 'modern shops' instead of 'new shops', and 'reached staple' instead of 'stabilised'. The student struggles with basic collocations and precise terminology for describing trends. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and the frequent misuse of terms like 'last stage' and 'standing the highest level' limit the range. To improve, the student should focus on learning specific vocabulary for describing graphs, such as 'fluctuated', 'stabilised', and 'peaked'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the number of shops opening and closing were grater') and tense usage (e.g., 'it was decreased reaching'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'Although, it had remained same from 2016 to 2017'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalisation. The student needs to focus on basic sentence construction and ensuring that verbs agree with their subjects.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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