Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-25

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 chart illustrates the amount of shops that are closed and opened in a country between 2011 and 2018.

Overall, the closures and openings of shops showed drastic fluctuation in seven year period. Although intially there were more shops opened than closed, it has been seen that after seven years majority of shops were closed.

In 2011, around 8,500 shops were opened, recording the highest number of openings than closures which was about 6,200 shops at that time. In 2012, the opened shops significantly dropped to exactly 4000, but after 2 years it surged to approximately 6,200 after declining again to exactly 4000 shops in 2015. It remained unchanged for a year and afterwards it slightly rose to just over 4000 shops after declining again to exactly 3000 shops.

In contrast, closed shops kept fluctuating for 3 years, accounting at 6,300 shops in2014. It substantially declined to about 500 shops in 2015, recording the least figures of all time. It then surged significantly to slightly over 5000 shops in 2016 and then remained relatively stable until 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student covers most of the key features of the graph, presenting an overview and reporting specific figures for both shop openings and closures. However, there are significant data reading errors that detract from task fulfillment. For instance, the student states that in 2012 open shops dropped to exactly 4,000 and that closures in 2015 reached about 500 (while the data shows closures at 600 or 5,200 depending on the series point, and 2015 actually showed a dramatic plunge for closures to nearly zero, while the student misattributes numbers). Furthermore, the opening figure for 2011 was 8,500, which the student captures, but comparisons are occasionally blurred by these inaccurate data citations. This places the response in the Band 5.5 to 6.0 range, as the selection and reporting of data contain noticeable inaccuracies.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is structured with an introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs, establishing a logical overall arrangement. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 2011', and 'In contrast' are used to guide the reader through the data. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes faulty, particularly with abrupt transitions and confusing time markers in the third paragraph (e.g., 'after 2 years it surged... after declining again'). Paragraphing is present and appropriate, but the logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by imprecise descriptions of chronological events and data points.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student attempts a range of vocabulary suitable for a task of this type, including verbs and nouns such as 'fluctuation', 'surged', 'declining', and 'substantially'. However, there are several word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'amount of shops' instead of 'number of shops', and awkward phrasing like 'recording the least figures of all time'. Spelling and word formation are generally acceptable, but the reliance on imprecise vocabulary and repetitive phrasing ('exactly 4000', 'slightly over 4000') limits the lexical score to a Band 5.5 or 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing introductory subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although initially there were more shops opened than closed...'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'the amount of shops that are closed and opened' (tense and passive voice issues) and missing articles ('in seven year period'). Punctuation is generally functional, but control over verb tenses and agreement falters in places. The errors do not completely impede communication, but they are noticeable and persistent.

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