Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-29

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 graph depicts the number of shops that were closed and the number of new shops opened between the year 2011 and 2018. The figures are calibrated in thousands.

Overall, there were the highest number of shops which were opened in 2011. While, in 2015 there were only a certain number of shops closed.

To begin with, the maximum number of shops which were opened in 2011 were approx 8500. In the same year 6500 shops were closed. Furthermore, in 2012 , 6000 shops closed as 500 less compared to the previous year , 2011. In 2012, 4000 new shops were developed. There was an increase in opening shops in 2013 where there were 5000 new shops in contrast to [redacted phone] shops were increased. 2013 was the second highest point where the number of closed shops was maximum compared to other years, which was almost 7000 shops. In 2014, both the number of shops opened and closed were constant as there was no change in that there were about 6100 shops. 2015 was the year in which the least number of shops were closed were 700 shops. In the same year 4000 shops were opened and this remained constant in 2016, 2017 and 2018. As the number of opening shops remained unchanged in these three years. Also, the number of closed shops were 5000 almost similar in all 3 years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to cover all parts of the prompt by describing the trends for both shop openings and closures between 2011 and 2018. However, there are several inaccurate data citations and misreadings of the graph. For instance, the student states that in 2015 'there were only a certain number of shops closed' and later claims closures were '700 shops', whereas the actual figure is approximately 600. Furthermore, the description of 2014 claims 'both the number of shops opened and closed were constant... about 6100 shops', which is incorrect as they were distinct lines (6,500 and 6,200). While an overview is attempted, it focuses on minor details rather than main trends. This places the task achievement at Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is divided into paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by awkward transitions and confusing sentence structures, such as 'While, in 2015 there were only a certain number of shops closed.' Cohesive devices are sometimes mechanical or misused ('To begin with', 'Furthermore'). Additionally, referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to follow the comparison between years. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion within paragraphs is weak. This warrants a Band 5.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for basic description, employing words like 'number', 'increase', 'constant', and 'opened'. However, the range is limited, and there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'figures are calibrated in thousands' (the axis is in single units up to 9,000) and 'opening shops' instead of 'shop openings'. Less common lexical items are attempted but often lead to errors or unnatural phrasing ('maximum compared to other years'). These errors occasionally cause some difficulty for the reader. Therefore, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but attempts at complex sentences are frequently faulty, leading to grammatical errors and awkward syntax. Examples include 'the maximum number of shops which were opened in 2011 were approx 8500' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'As the number of opening shops remained unchanged in these three years' (fragment sentence). Punctuation and phrasing errors are frequent throughout the response, such as missing articles and clumsy relative clauses. Despite these issues, the meaning can generally be parsed, supporting a Band 5.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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