Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-15
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)
The line graph shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, the number of new shops opened decreased considerably over the period, while the number of shop closures fluctuated significantly. The most noticeable feature is the sharp fall in shop closures in 2015.
In 2011, about 8,500 new shops opened, compared with approximately 6,400 closures. The number of openings then fell sharply to around 4,000 in 2012, before increasing steadily to 5,000 in 2013 and about 6,000 in 2014. After that, it declined to approximately 4,000 in 2015 and 2016, rose slightly to about 4,200 in 2017, and finally fell to 3,000 in 2018.
Shop closures followed a more varied pattern. The figure decreased slightly from 6,400 in 2011 to 5,900 in 2012, then rose to a peak of around 7,200 in 2013. It fell slightly to approximately 6,500 in 2014, before dropping dramatically to only about 700 in 2015. Closures then increased sharply to around 5,200 in 2016, remained at about 5,000 in 2017, and finished at approximately 5,200 in 2018.
Thus, while there were more openings than closures in 2011, the number of closures was generally higher than the number of openings in the later years.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The student fully addresses all parts of the task by accurately reporting the main trends and making relevant comparisons between shop openings and closures from 2011 to 2018. An appropriate overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the general downward trend for openings and the significant fluctuation in closures, including the notable drop in 2015. Data points are cited accurately overall, closely matching the source graph (such as starting figures of 8,500 openings and 6,400 closures, and the dramatic drop in closures in 2015). The figures are well-integrated to support the description, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Information is grouped effectively: an introduction, an overview paragraph, a detailed body paragraph for openings, a detailed body paragraph for closures, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and naturally to guide the reader through the data, such as 'In 2011', 'before increasing steadily', 'After that', and 'Thus'. Paragraphing is fully appropriate, and referencing is clear throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Vocabulary related to trends and data analysis is used effectively, including terms such as 'decreased considerably', 'fluctuated significantly', 'sharp fall', 'increasing steadily', and 'dropping dramatically'. Collocations are natural, and there are only rare, minor inaccuracies that do not impede communication. The terminology is precise and well-suited to describing line graph data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response features a wide range of sentence structures, successfully combining simple and complex forms with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex structures such as subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'before increasing steadily to 5,000 in 2013 and about 6,000 in 2014') are handled with good control. Punctuation and grammar are consistently accurate throughout the text, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted reading.
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