Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-05
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 graph illustrates the number of shops that opened and closed in a particular country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, the number of new shop openings decreased considerably over the period, while closures fluctuated significantly. Shop openings were at their highest level in 2011, whereas closures reached their lowest point in 2015. By 2018, the number of closures was considerably higher than that of openings.
In 2011, approximately 8,500 new shops opened, compared with around 6,400 closures. However, openings fell sharply to about 4,000 in 2012 before gradually increasing to approximately 6,000 in 2014. After this, the figure declined again to around 4,000 in 2015 and remained relatively stable until 2017, before falling to 3,000 in the final year.
The number of shop closures followed a more fluctuating pattern. It stood at approximately 6,400 in 2011 and fell slightly to around 6,000 the following year. The figure then rose to a peak of just over 7,000 in 2013 before decreasing slightly in 2014. In 2015, closures dropped dramatically to below 1,000. However, they recovered sharply to just over 5,000 in 2016 and remained close to this level until 2018.
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
The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected key data points to support your description. The comparison between shop openings and closures is well-integrated throughout the report. You have accurately identified the peak and low points, such as the dramatic drop in closures in 2015 and the overall downward trend for openings. The information is logically presented, and the summary is balanced, ensuring that all parts of the graph are addressed without unnecessary detail. This meets the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed analysis of openings and closures. Cohesive devices such as 'however', 'after this', and 'in the final year' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. The transition between the two main body paragraphs is smooth, and the information within each paragraph is sequenced logically. The use of referencing is clear, and the overall structure contributes to a coherent and easy-to-follow report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data description task. Phrases such as 'decreased considerably', 'fluctuated significantly', 'fell sharply', and 'remained relatively stable' show a good command of descriptive language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately in context. While the range is sufficient, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'number' or 'figure' could elevate the response further. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently natural and precise throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, effectively. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, and the tense usage is consistent with the past time frame of the graph. The accuracy is high, with no significant errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar.
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