Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-26

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 compares the number of shops that closed and the amount of new shops that opened in a country between 2011 and 2018.

Overall whatstands out from the graph is that new shops opening has declined considerably over the period showing few fluctuations.In contrast closure shops had varied significantly,reaching dramatically low by 2015 before recovering.By 2018 more shops were closing than opening.

In 2011, approximately 8,500 shops were opened when compared around 6,400 closures.The number of openings then fell sharply to about 4,000 in 2012, before increasing gradually to approximately 4,800 in 2013 and 6,100 in 2014. After 2014 the figure decreased steadily, reaching around 3,600 in 2016 and remaining relatively stable in 2017. It then fell further to about 2,400 in 2018.

The number of shop closure followed a different pattern. It decreased slightly from around 6,400 in 2011 to 5,800 in 2012 before rising to a peak of approximately 7,000 in 2013. After another small decline in 2014, closures plunged to only about 500 in 2015.However this was followed by a sharp recovery to approximately 4,700 in 2016. The figure then remained fairly stable at around 4,500 to 4,600 in 2017 and 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and reporting the main features of both shop openings and closures between 2011 and 2018. Key data points, such as the initial numbers and the dramatic drop in closures in 2015, are successfully identified and compared. For instance, the student notes that closures 'reached dramatically low by 2015 before recovering' and accurately compares openings and closures in 2011. While a couple of the intermediate data points contain minor inaccuracies compared to the raw data (e.g., the 2015 low for closures was actually around 600 rather than 500, and openings in 2016 were around 4,000 rather than 3,600), these do not prevent the response from adequately fulfilling the requirements of Task Achievement at a Band 7 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph and a distinct overview, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to openings and closures respectively. Cohesive devices are used adequately to connect ideas, such as 'In contrast', 'After 2014', and 'The number of shop closure followed a different pattern'. However, there are minor cohesion and formatting issues, such as missing spaces after punctuation marks ('period showing few fluctuations.In contrast', '2015.However this') and a slight lack of variety in advanced cohesive referencing. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different trends, resulting in a solid Band 7 performance for this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items and collocation phrases such as 'fluctuations', 'remained relatively stable', and 'sharp recovery'. However, there are noticeable lexical and word-form errors that prevent a higher band, such as 'amount of new shops' (should be 'number'), 'closure shops' (should be 'shop closures'), and 'reaching dramatically low' (should be 'a dramatic low'). Spelling is generally accurate, but awkward phrasing like 'the amount of new shops' shows a lack of complete precision in lexical choice, placing this response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used throughout the response, including dependent clauses ('when compared around 6,400 closures', 'before increasing gradually'). There are several grammatical errors and instances of poor punctuation control, such as missing spaces after periods and commas, and occasional missing prepositions or articles (e.g., 'The number of shop closure' instead of 'closures'). Despite these errors, the meaning is generally clear and communication is not impeded. The student demonstrates good control over basic structures and attempts complex forms with moderate success, warranting a Band 6.

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