Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-13

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 illustrates the number of opened and closed shops in a specific country from 2011 to 2018. The figures are measured in thousand.

In 2011, the number of closures and opening began approximately at around 6,400 and 8,500 repectively. Then the number of closures fell slowly to about 6,000 in 2012. After that closures reached a peak of 7,100 in 2013. Before recovering the figure of closures shops fell rapidly from 7,100 to 800 between 2013 and 2015. Then there was a massive rise in closures shops to about 5,100 in 2015. From 2015 to 2018, the number of closures shop remained constant.

In 2012, the opening shops diminished sharply from 8,500 to 4000. Then the openings experienced a significant growth at around 6,000 in 2014. By 2015, the number of openings dropped back to about 4000. After that openings stayed same untill 2017. At the end of period, there was a slight dip at around 3000.

To sum up, it would be quite interesting to note that the number of openings and closures reduced significantly over a period. Though closures surpassed the openings at the end of period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all key parts of the task by reporting the main features of shop closures and openings between 2011 and 2018. An overview is provided at the end, identifying the general downward trend and the final comparison. However, there are several data inaccuracies and contradictions in the body paragraphs. For instance, the text states that closures fell to 800 and then rose to 5,100, and mentions that closures remained constant from 2015 to 2018 when the graph shows fluctuations or specific data points. Furthermore, units are sometimes imprecise (e.g., mixing thousands and numbers). Despite these data reporting issues, the main trends and comparisons are generally addressed, aligning with a Band 6.0 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, two body paragraphs focusing on closures and openings respectively, and a brief concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the data, such as 'In 2011', 'Then', 'After that', and 'To sum up'. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes faulty or repetitive, such as the frequent overuse of 'Then' and 'After that' to start consecutive sentences. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, but the overall logical progression is occasionally hindered by abrupt transitions and mechanical sequencing, placing it at a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items related to trends such as 'diminished sharply', 'significant growth', and 'slight dip'. However, there are notable lexical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'closures shop', 'opening shops', and 'repectively' (spelling error). Words are sometimes used with incorrect word forms or collocations, such as 'before recovering the figure of closures shops fell'. While communication is not severely impeded, these recurring inaccuracies prevent the score from reaching Band 7.0, making Band 6.0 an appropriate reflection of the student's lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as introductory prepositional phrases ('In 2011, the number...') and subordinate clauses ('Before recovering...'). There are several grammatical errors and punctuation flaws throughout the text, including missing prepositions, incorrect verb forms ('untill', 'At the end of period'), and awkward syntax in complex structures. For example, 'At the end of period, there was a slight dip at around 3000' lacks an article before 'period'. However, these errors do not impede communication, supporting a solid Band 6.0 for grammatical range and accuracy.

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

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