Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Overall, the number of new shop openings showed a generally downward trend, falling from a peak of 8,500 in 2011 to just 3,000 in 2018. In contrast, shop closures fluctuated considerably, reaching a dramatic low in 2015 before recovering in the following years. In 2011, approximately 8,500 new shops opened, compared with around 6,400 closures. The number of openings then dropped sharply to about 3,900 in 2012, while closures declined only slightly to 5,900. In 2013, closures increased significantly to approximately 7,200, whereas openings rose to 5,000. Both figures were relatively high in 2014, at around 6,500 closures and 6,100 openings.

A particularly notable change occurred in 2015, when shop closures fell dramatically to only about 700, the lowest figure in the period. Meanwhile, the number of new shops opening stood at approximately 4,000. In 2016, closures recovered sharply to around 5,200, while openings remained stable at 4,000. Closures then remained close to 5,000 in 2017 and 5,200 in 2018. By contrast, openings decreased from 4,200 in 2017 to only 3,000 in 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the prompt well, providing an effective overview of the main trends and making clear, relevant comparisons across the years. The opening summary highlights the general downward trend in new openings and the fluctuations in closures. Specific figures from the graph, such as the peak of 8,500 in 2011 and the dramatic low of closures in 2015, are accurately selected and reported. Data points are integrated smoothly into sentences to support the key trends identified. The response meets all the core requirements of Task 1 comprehensively and accurately, fulfilling the descriptors for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a clear overall progression throughout the text. The student begins with a strong overarching summary before moving into a chronological and well-structured breakdown of the data across paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and naturally, including markers like 'In contrast', 'while', 'Meanwhile', and 'By contrast'. Paragraphing is logical, separating the general overview and early years from the dramatic changes in the middle and later part of the decade. Referencing and substitution are handled skillfully, ensuring the text flows smoothly from start to finish without noticeable mechanical faults.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource that is well-suited to an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and functional phrases are used effectively, such as 'downward trend', 'fluctuated considerably', 'dramatic low', and 'recovered sharply'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate and natural, contributing to precise reporting of data without awkward phrasing. Spelling and word formation are entirely correct throughout the text. Although vocabulary is not excessively ornamented with rare idioms, the precision and variety displayed easily satisfy the requirements for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The student employs varied dependent clauses, participial phrases, and comparative structures effectively, such as in 'In 2011, approximately 8,500 new shops opened, compared with around 6,400 closures.' The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and any minor issues are virtually nonexistent. Punctuation is handled securely, guiding the reader effortlessly through complex data comparisons. Control over tense and agreement is consistently maintained throughout the text.

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