Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The given line graph illustrates the fluctuations in the number of shop closures and openings in a particular country from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, it is crystal clear that the data reveals a persistent trend of higher closures compared to openings throughout the examined period, with significant fluctuations observed in both metrics.
At a fleeting glance, in 2011, the number of shop closures began at approximately 5400, which subsequently increased to 7300 in 2012. Following this peak, closures experienced a slight decline to around 6900 in 2013, before surging to 8000 in 2014. A notable decrease occurred in 2015, bringing the figure down to approximately 5800. The years 2016 and 2017 saw a further reduction to 4600, after which closures climbed again to reach 6600 in 2018, indicating a volatile trend with significant fluctuations, especially in the earlier years.
Moving further, new shop openings started at approximately 5900 in 2011 but underwent a steady decline to around 5600 in 2012. An increase to about 7000 was recorded in 2013, followed by a decrease to 6900 in 2014. A dramatic drop to roughly 3200 occurred in 2015. However, an upward trend began in 2016, with openings rising to around 5500 and continuing to increase to 5800 in 2017 and 6300 in 2018. Despite some fluctuations, the total number of openings consistently lagged behind the closures, illustrating a challenging market environment for new businesses during the observed period.
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 addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and supported these with relevant data points from the graph. The comparison between shop closures and openings is consistent throughout the report, which is a key requirement for this task. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the volatility in 2014-2015 and the overall trend where closures generally outnumbered openings. The information is well-selected and accurately reported, meeting the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Following this peak,' 'Moving further,' and 'Despite some fluctuations' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the information. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the paragraphing is logical. Each paragraph has a clear focus, making the report easy to follow. The use of referencing is accurate, and the overall structure supports the clear communication of the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'fluctuations,' 'persistent trend,' 'surging,' and 'volatile' to describe the data accurately. The language is precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' could elevate the response further. However, the current range is sufficient to convey meaning with precision and style, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense usage is strong. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex forms to report the data, which enhances the readability of the text. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication. The accuracy is high, and the sentence variety is well-suited to the formal tone required for an IELTS Academic Task 1 report.
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