Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-16

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 changes in the figure of closing and starting a new shop in one particular country from 2011 to 2018.

In 2011, the number of opening new shops stood at 8,500. The figure is then sharply dropped to 4000 in 2012. Between 2012 and 2014, the frequency of starting a new shops continuously increased reaching to more than 6,000. Following to this minor peak, the nunber of new store launches fell to 4,000 in 2015 and remained stable around this mark until 2017. In the final year, opening had decreased as low to 3000.

Meanwhile, the number of store closure in 2011 recorded for less than 6,500. The figure fluctuated moderately between 6,000 and 7,000 over the subsequent three years. In 2015, the number of closures dramatically declined to its lowest point of over 500. However, this drop was short-lived, as closures rebounded rapidly to approximately 5,000 in 2016. Over the period of 2 year, the figure remained steady at around 5,000.

Overall, it is clear that the number of store closing ultimately outnumbered the new shop openings by the end of the final year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main trends and making relevant comparisons between shop openings and closures from 2011 to 2018. An overview is provided at the end, noting that store closures ultimately outnumbered openings. The key data points are highlighted effectively, such as the sharp drop in openings in 2012 and the dramatic decline in closures in 2015. However, there are minor inaccuracies in reading the data points, such as stating that closures fell to 'over 500' in 2015 when the graph indicates around 600, and slight awkwardness in phrasing data points. Nonetheless, the overall response covers the prompt thoroughly and accurately captures the main visual features. This aligns well with the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organised into four distinct paragraphs, following a logical progression from an introduction to body paragraphs detailing each trend, followed by a concluding overview. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'In 2011', 'Between 2012 and 2014', and 'Meanwhile'. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or awkward, such as 'Following to this minor peak' and 'Over the period of 2 year'. Paragraphing is handled appropriately, with each main category of data given its own body paragraph. Referencing is generally clear throughout the text, allowing the reader to follow the progression of ideas easily. This performance is consistent with the descriptors for Band 6.5, leaning towards Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items such as 'fluctuated moderately', 'dramatically declined', and 'short-lived'. However, there are some noticeable word choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'the figure of closing and starting a new shop', 'the frequency of starting a new shops' (plural error), and 'store closure' instead of closures. Spelling is generally accurate, but some lexical inaccuracies slightly detract from precision. The vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the main message clearly, but it falls short of the flexibility and precision required for higher bands, making Band 6.0 an appropriate score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing various time clauses and passive or intransitive structures. There are, however, several grammatical and mechanical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'the number of opening new shops' (should be 'openings'), 'The figure is then sharply dropped' (incorrect passive/tense mix), 'reaching to more than 6,000' (unnecessary preposition), 'nunber' (spelling typo), and 'Over the period of 2 year' (missing plural 'years'). While these errors do not impede communication, their frequency prevents the text from achieving a higher band. A score of 6.0 reflects a mix of correct simple and complex structures alongside persistent errors in grammar and punctuation.

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

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