Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-23
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 6.5)
The chart illustrates the number of shops that closed and the number of shops that newly opened in a single country over the eight-year period, starting from 2011 to 2018.
Overall, it is evident that the number of shop closures and openings varied greatly over the eight-year period, with no consistent pattern of one being higher than the other throughout.
Looking first at the number of shop closures, it stood at 6,500 in the initial year before fluctuating and reaching above 7,000 in 2013. The figure then dipped sharply, reaching the lowest value in 2015. However, it grew significantly and reached just above 5,000 in 2016. Furthermore, it decreased slightly before stabilizing and ending at the similar figure of 2016 in 2018.
Turning to the number of shop openings, the figure began at approximately 8,500 in 2011, making it the highest. However, it declined sharply in the next year, reaching less than 4,000. Additionally, it fluctuated before stabilizing in 2015 and in 2016. By reaching just over 4,000 in 2017, it gradually dropped to exactly 3,000 in 2018.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features, trends, and key data points from the line graph. The overview clearly highlights that shop closures and openings fluctuated significantly over the period with no consistent pattern. Key figures, such as the peak of shop openings at around 8,500 in 2011 and the lowest point of closures in 2015, are accurately reported. The comparisons between the two categories are well-integrated. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.0 by covering all parts of the task appropriately, though it could be slightly more analytical in contrasting the trends simultaneously.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory statement, followed by an overview paragraph, and then separates the two trends into distinct body paragraphs for closures and openings. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'The figure then', 'However', and 'Turning to' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is logical and managed appropriately. Although some cohesive ties are fairly standard, the overall arrangement presents a clear logical structure, meriting a Band 7.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, including terms like 'fluctuating', 'significantly', 'dipped sharply', 'stabilizing', and 'gradually dropped'. There is some awareness of collocations and less common lexical items, such as 'initial year' and 'reaching the lowest value'. While the vocabulary is adequate and generally accurate, it does not consistently display the sophistication or flexibility required for higher bands, as some phrasings are slightly repetitive. Minor inaccuracies in word choice do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6.5 score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases successfully (e.g., 'by reaching just over 4,000 in 2017, it gradually dropped...'). Grammatical control is generally strong with numerous error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the text. While the range of complex structures is somewhat standard rather than wide, the minor slips or limitations do not interfere with readability. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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