Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the number of shops that closed and the new shops that opened in a particular country between 2011 and 2018.

Overall, both figures fluctuated over the period, although the figure for shop openings showed an overall downward trend. The number of closures remained relatively stable apart from a dramatic fall in 2015, after which it recovered.

The figure for shops that closed fell slightly from 6,500 in 2011 to 6,00 in 2012, before peaking at 7,200 in 2013. The number then dipped to 6,500 in 2014. Meanwhile, the number of shop openings declined sharply from 8,500 to 4,000 between 2011 and 2012, before recovering to 6,200 in 2014.

From 2014 to 2015, the number of shop closures collapsed dramatically from 6,500 to only about 500 before jumping to 5,200 in 2016. It then remained relatively stable from 5,000 in 2017 to 5,200 in 2018. In contrast, the figure for new shops that opened declined from about 6,200 to 4,000 in 2015 and remained relatively stable at between 4,000 and 4,200 in 2017, before dropping to 3,000 in 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully identified the main features and trends of the data. The overview clearly highlights the contrasting trends between the two categories, and you have provided specific data points to support your descriptions. However, there is a minor error in your data reporting: you wrote '6,00 in 2012' instead of '6,000'. Additionally, while you cover the main trends, a more explicit comparison between the two lines at key points (such as the 2015 crossover or the widening gap by 2018) would have strengthened the response further. Overall, the task is well-addressed.

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 chronologically. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You make good use of cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In contrast', and 'before recovering to', which help guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different time periods. The flow is smooth, and the structure is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'downward trend', 'remained relatively stable', and 'collapsed dramatically'. These choices are precise and appropriate for describing statistical data. There is a minor typographical error ('6,00' instead of '6,000'), but this does not impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more varied synonyms for 'number' or 'figure' to avoid repetition, though the current range is adequate for the task requirements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control over tense and punctuation is generally strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that hinder understanding. The use of participial phrases (e.g., 'before recovering to', 'before jumping to') shows good control of complex structures. The occasional minor slip, such as the numerical typo, does not detract from the overall accuracy of the writing.

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