Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-12
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 closed and the number of new shops that opened in a particular country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, the number of new shops opened fluctuated considerably over the period, while the number of shop closures showed a less consistent pattern. The figures for both categories were relatively high at the beginning of the period, and the number of new openings reached a particularly low point in 2015.
In 2011, approximately 8,500 new shops opened, compared with around 6,400 closures. The number of openings then fell slightly to about 4,000 in 2012 before rising sharply to roughly 6,000 in 2013. After that, the figure declined dramatically, reaching a low of only around 4,000 in 2015. It subsequently increased, finishing at approximately 4,500 in 2018.
The number of shop closures, meanwhile, stood at about 6,400 in 2011 and increased to around 7,000 in 2012. This figure then dropped significantly to approximately 6,000 in 2013 and remained relatively stable in 2014. After a slight rise in 2015, closures fell to around 5,000 in 2016 before increasing again to approximately 5,500 in 2017 and 2018.
Notably, shop openings exceeded closures in 2011 and 2013, whereas closures were higher than openings for most of the remaining years. By the end of the period, the two figures were relatively close, although closures remained slightly higher.
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 successfully covers all parts of the task by selecting, reporting, and comparing the main features of shop openings and closures between 2011 and 2018. An appropriate overview is provided at the beginning, noting the general fluctuation in openings and the less consistent pattern in closures, as well as highlighting key comparative trends. Specific data points are accurately cited to support the description, such as the peak of openings in 2011 and the low point in 2015. The information is well-selected and presented without significant omissions, meeting the high standards required for Band 8.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
Information and ideas are logically sequenced throughout the response, ensuring a clear progression from the introduction through the overview to detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each body paragraph dedicated to specific aspects of the data (openings and closures). Cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'subsequently', and 'whereas' are managed well to establish relationships between ideas without appearing obtrusive. Referencing is clear and accurate across all sentences.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to describing statistical trends. Less common and precise items such as 'fluctuated considerably', 'declined dramatically', and 'exceeded closures' are used effectively with a good awareness of collocation and style. Word choices are generally accurate, and minor slips are virtually absent. The language flows naturally and enables clear communication of the visual data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
A wide variety of complex sentence structures is employed successfully throughout the response. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high degree of control over grammar and punctuation. Clauses are combined smoothly using subordinate and coordinate structures, such as in 'while the number of shop closures showed a less consistent pattern' and 'whereas closures were higher than openings for most of the remaining years'. Very rare occasional slips do not impede communication.
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