Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-22

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 5.0)

The line graph illustrate that amount off shops that closed and number of shops newly open in one country between from 2011 to 2018.

Overall new open shops are dramatically decreased in 2015 and again goes to thier high point. secondly the closing of shops are seen in graph are fluctuated more as compare to new ones

Firstly new opened shops as seen in graph are in high point in 2011 about 8.5 million and fell down at below to 4 million in 2012. then again increasing number of shops in 2014 are 6 million as seen in graph and again fell down to 3 million at 2018.

Secondly closure of shops in one country starting numbering is 6.5 million in 2011 and boom in 2013. after that period this number of closure is dramatically fell down to very low number around 0,2 million in 2015. and then this closure meet a very high point of numbering just above of 5 million in 2015 to 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student attempts to cover the main features of the graph, mentioning the trends for both shop closures and openings between 2011 and 2018. However, there are significant inaccuracies in reading the data, such as quoting figures in millions (e.g., '8.5 million' and '0,2 million') instead of thousands, which shows a serious misunderstanding of the scale provided on the y-axis. Furthermore, the overview is rather vague and contains factual errors regarding the timing of trends. Key comparisons between the two lines are under-developed. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, earning a Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is divided into paragraphs, starting with an introduction followed by an overview and body paragraphs. However, the logical progression is hindered by poor cohesive referencing and abrupt transitions like 'secondly' and 'firstly' used repeatedly and inaccurately. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the overall arrangement feels mechanical rather than naturally flowing. Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs is weak. These issues place the response firmly in Band 5.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, with frequent word choice errors such as 'new open shops' instead of newly opened shops, and inappropriate collocations like 'boom in 2013' and 'high point of numbering'. The misuse of units ('millions' instead of 'thousands') also demonstrates a limited control of functional language for visual data tasks. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey a general topic, the noticeable errors and lack of precision restrict the score to Band 4.5, rounded to 5.0 based on the overall adequacy of basic terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Simple sentences dominate, and attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty, such as in the opening sentence: 'The line graph illustrate that amount off shops...'. There are frequent errors in verb agreement (e.g., 'graph illustrate', 'shops... are dramatically decreased'), prepositions, and word forms. These persistent errors frequently cause strain for the reader and impede clear communication at times, reflecting the characteristics of Band 5.0.

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