Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The provided line graph illustrates the number of shops that opened and closed in a country between 2011 and 2018.
Overall, the number of newly opened shops declined considerably over the period, despite some fluctuations. In contrast, the number of shop closures fluctuated significantly, reaching a low point in 2015 before recovering and remaining relatively stable towards the end of the period.
The number of new shops was highest in 2011, at approximately 8,500. However, this figure fell sharply to around 4,000 in 2012. It then recovered, reaching just over 6,000 in 2014. After that, the number declined gradually and eventually reached approximately 3,000 in 2018.
Regarding shop closures, the figure stood at around 6,500 in 2011 and decreased slightly before reaching a peak of just over 7,000 in 2013. It then fell dramatically, reaching its lowest point of approximately 800 in 2015. Following this sharp decline, the number of closures rose considerably to around 5,000 and remained relatively stable until 2018.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear overview and effectively highlighting key features and comparisons between shop openings and closures from 2011 to 2018. Main trends are accurately identified, such as the overall downward trajectory of new shop openings and the sharp drop in closures in 2015 down to approximately 600 or 800. The data cited is very close to the visual source, demonstrating careful reading of the graph. The overview successfully captures the main differences between the two categories without getting bogged down in unnecessary minor details, fully satisfying the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with a standard introductory sentence, moves into a well-crafted overview paragraph, and then dedicates specific body paragraphs to new shops and shop closures respectively. Cohesive devices are used appropriately without being obtrusive, using phrases like 'In contrast,' 'However,' and 'Following this sharp decline.' Paragraphing is logical and suits the structure of an Academic Task 1 report well. Information and ideas are clearly sequenced from start to finish.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task, including functional terms like 'fluctuated significantly,' 'reaching a low point,' 'fell sharply,' and 'remained relatively stable.' Word choices and collocations are generally natural and precise, effectively describing trends and numerical changes. There are no notable spelling or lexical errors that impede communication. While uncommon vocabulary is somewhat limited due to the straightforward nature of line graph data, the execution is precise and fits Band 7 well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
A good variety of complex and simple sentence structures are employed effectively throughout the response, such as 'The number of new shops was highest in 2011, at approximately 8,500.' and 'After that, the number declined gradually and eventually reached approximately 3,000 in 2018.' The majority of sentences are error-free, with good control over punctuation, tense consistency, and subject-verb agreement. The occasional minor imperfection does not disrupt the flow of reading or impede communication, supporting a solid Band 8 score.
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