Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The line graph depicts the data about the amount of shops that shut down and the quantity of new shops started in a country during 2011 and 2018.
In 2011, around 8500 shops were shut down, touching the highest point in the graph. Less than half of it was closed down in 2012 after which a rise of shop closure was seen till 2014 in which more 6000 shops were shut down. Then again a downward slope is visible, touching 4000 in 2015 like 2012, which stayed somewhat similar for 2 years. The lowest amount of shop closure till date was 3000 which was recorded in 2018.
The new shops opening had a moderate result during first 4 years, in 2011 it was near 6500, then it decreased to 6000 in 2012, then increased to a little more than 7000 during 2013 and then again dropped to 6500 in 2014. After 2014, it seems like there was an economic movement, since a deep dip is clearly visible till 2015 and not even 1000 shops were opened at that time making it the lowest point in the graph. A sudden rise can be seen till 2016, an addition of more than 4000 shops to the decline that took place earlier. The graph remain somewhat the same after 2016, recording nearly 5000 shops opening yearly.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key features of the graph, including the trends for both closures and openings. You have successfully identified the starting points, the peaks, and the final figures. However, the report lacks a clear overview paragraph. While you describe the data chronologically, an effective summary should highlight the most significant trends or differences between the two categories at the beginning. For example, noting that closures generally trended downward while openings experienced a significant period of volatility would improve the score. The data is generally accurate, though the description of the 2015 dip for openings could be more precise.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with one focusing on closures and the other on openings. This structure helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical. Phrases like 'Then again' and 'After 2014' are used repeatedly, and the transition between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between the two main body paragraphs could be improved by using more sophisticated linking words to compare the two trends rather than treating them as entirely separate entities.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'downward slope', 'moderate result', and 'economic movement'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, 'amount of shops' should be 'number of shops' as shops are countable. 'Started' is a bit informal; 'established' or 'opened' would be more appropriate. Additionally, 'the graph remain somewhat the same' contains a subject-verb agreement error. Expanding your range to include more precise academic vocabulary would help elevate the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors. Examples include 'amount of shops' (should be 'number'), 'more 6000' (should be 'more than 6000'), and 'the graph remain' (should be 'remained'). There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'touching the highest point in the graph'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and preposition usage will improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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