Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-28
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 following graph illustrates closing and opening of new shops in one country between 2011 and 2018.
In 2011 aproximately 8500 shops opened and 6400 shop closed. Whereas, the number of openeings of new shops decresed in 2012 to 4000 adn closure rose upto 6000. In 2013 the opening of new shops were 5000 and closure also rose to 7300. Moreover, in 2014 the number of opening slightly increased to 6200 andd number of closure also increased to 6500. Whereas, in 2015 the numbers of closure sharply decreased to 500, and opening also decreased to 4000. While, in 2016 the number of opening were filled in and it reached 4000, and the figure for shop for closure also increased to 5200. Meanwhile, in 2017 there was a rise of number of shops opening which was 4200 and the figure for closure of shops declined to 5000. However, in 2018 there number of closure showed an upward trend which rose upto 5300. Meaanwhile, the number of shop opening dropped to 3000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student attempts to report the main features and trends of the graph comparing shop openings and closures between 2011 and 2018. However, there is a notable absence of an introductory overview, which is essential for Band 6 and above in Task 1. Furthermore, the reporting of data contains several inaccuracies and typos, such as stating that closures in 2015 dropped to 500 when the graph shows around 600, and frequent item-by-item chronological listing rather than a well-synthesised summary. While most data points are attempted, the lack of a clear overall trend summary and the mechanical listing restrict the score to Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is written as a single, dense block of text without paragraphing, which significantly impacts coherence and structural readability. Although basic cohesive devices and transition words are used (e.g., 'Whereas', 'Moreover', 'Meanwhile'), their overuse at the beginning of nearly every sentence makes the progression feel mechanical and repetitive rather than naturally flowing. There is no logical division between introducing the data, highlighting main trends, and making comparisons. This lack of proper paragraphing and mechanical cohesion corresponds to Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary to describe general trends, using words such as 'decreased', 'rose', 'upward trend', and 'declined'. However, there are numerous spelling errors ('aproximately', 'openeings', 'decresed', 'adn', 'dandd', 'Meaanwhile') and awkward phrasings ('the number of opening were filled in'). The range of vocabulary is rather limited and repetitive, with frequent reliance on basic verbs. Because spelling errors occur frequently and occasionally cause minor strain for the reader, this performance fits the Band 5.0 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence attempts, such as subordinate clauses beginning with 'whereas' and 'while'. However, grammatical accuracy is weak, with frequent subject-verb agreement errors ('the opening of new shops were', 'there number of closure showed', 'the numbers of closure sharply decreased') and punctuation issues. Errors are frequent throughout the text, though they rarely impede overall communication of the basic figures. This balance of mixed structures and persistent grammatical errors aligns well with Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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