Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The line graph shows trends in shop closures and openings of new shops in a particular country between the years 2011 and 2018.

In 2011 approximately 6,400 shops closed. The number of closures fluctuated over the next four years until 2015, when there was a dramatic fall in closures to roughly 700 shops. The following year the number of shops closing their doors rose sharply, reaching over 5,000. The figures remained steady for the next two years, with just over 5,000 closures in 2018.

The number of new shops opening decreased dramatically between 2011 (approximately 8,500) and 2012 (just under 4,000) but rebounded by roughly 50% by 2014. In 2015, the number of openings then fell to the 2012 level, but remained stable for the next two years. The last recorded year, 2018, saw a further fall to 3,000 new openings, the lowest point in this seven year period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully identifies the main trends and overviews the data provided in the line graph, noting key figures such as the starting points and the dramatic fluctuations, particularly the sharp fall in closures in 2015. However, there is a minor misinterpretation of the 2015 closure figure, reading it as roughly 700 when the visual data indicates around 600. Additionally, the response falls just short of the 150-word minimum requirement at 149 words, which slightly impacts the overall development and completeness of the task. Despite these minor issues, the key features are well selected and comparisons are effectively made.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised into clear paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to closures and openings respectively. Cohesive devices such as 'The following year', 'The number of new shops opening', and 'In 2015' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data chronologically. Progression is clear throughout, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow, representing a solid Band 7 performance for this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, using functional reporting verbs and adjectives such as 'fluctuated', 'dramatic fall', 'rose sharply', and 'rebounded'. There is also appropriate use of less common collocation and phrasing, such as 'reaching over 5,000' and 'the lowest point in this seven year period'. Word choices are precise, and errors are minimal, allowing for clear and natural communication throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The text contains a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including participial phrases ('reaching over 5,000') and parenthetical additions ('(approximately 8,500)'). Grammatical control is generally strong with a high proportion of error-free sentences. Punctuation and tense usage are handled accurately throughout the response, matching the criteria for Band 7 well.

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