Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-07

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 6.5)

The given line graph depicts the information about the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018. The data has been calibrated into numbers.

Overall, it is crystal clear that it is apparent from the graph that there were fluctuations in the quantities of stores closing and opening during the period under consideration, with closures consistently outnumbering openings except for the years 2013 and 2014.

At a fleeting glance, the data reveals that the number of closed stores began at approximately 5,400 in 2011, peaked at 8,000 in 2014, and then exhibited a sharp decline to around 4,600 in 2016. However, the closures rose again to about 6,600 by the end of the period. In contrast, new store openings commenced around 5,900 in 2011, declined to around 3,200 in 2015, and fluctuated slightly in the following years, reaching 6,300 in 2018.

Moving further, closures surpassed openings significantly, notably in 2014 and 2017, while the years 2013 and 2015 saw openings outnumbering closures. Despite variations in the numbers, the trend overall indicates a higher frequency of closures compared to openings throughout the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and providing relevant comparisons. You successfully highlighted the key features, such as the peak in closures in 2014 and the overall trend of closures outnumbering openings. However, there is a factual inconsistency in your analysis: you mention that 2013 and 2015 saw openings outnumbering closures, but the graph shows that in 2013, closures were actually higher than openings, and in 2015, the lines are nearly identical or closures remain slightly higher. Accuracy in data interpretation is crucial for a higher band. Despite this, the overview is clear and the main features are well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and you use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'However', and 'Moving further' to link your points effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. The flow is generally smooth, though the transition between the second and third body paragraphs could be slightly more refined to ensure a tighter connection between the specific data points and the concluding summary of the trend.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'calibrated', 'exhibited a sharp decline', and 'commenced' appropriately. The language is generally precise and fits the academic tone required for Task 1. There is a minor redundancy in the overview ('it is crystal clear that it is apparent'), which slightly impacts the natural flow. However, you successfully use a variety of verbs to describe trends, which helps to avoid repetition. To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated collocations and ensuring that every word choice adds value to the description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is consistent. You effectively use subordinate clauses to provide detail, such as 'while the years 2013 and 2015 saw openings outnumbering closures'. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve further, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or more advanced conditional or participle phrases, to demonstrate even greater flexibility in your writing.

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

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