Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-28

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 4.5)

The line graph demonstrates the number shops close and open between year [redacted phone].

The graph shows continues fall in closing of shops and also the opening simultaneously throughout the period. In 2011, numerous shop were closing the number is between 8000 to 9000.

At that period of time, highest number of shops were closed.After that closing of shop steadily decreased.

In 2011, Almost 6500 new shops were open in market which is highest opening between 2011 to 2018.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the topic and attempts to report the overall direction, but it does not accurately summarise the graph. The claim that closures “continues fall” throughout is incorrect: closures rise to about 7,200 in 2013, then fluctuate, with a sharp drop in 2015 and a recovery afterwards. The opening figures are also misreported: 2011 openings were about 8,500, not 6,500, and this was the highest opening figure. The response gives almost no coverage of the remaining years or meaningful comparisons, so the main features are not adequately selected or supported. It is also substantially below the required 150 words. To improve, include a clear overview and accurate key figures and trends across the full period.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic sequence: the response introduces the graph, gives a general statement, and then mentions 2011. However, the ideas do not develop into a clear account of the eight-year period, and the paragraph break does not create a useful structure. The repeated focus on 2011 (“At that period of time” and “In 2011”) leaves later years unconnected and unreported. Linking is also limited, while “After that” does not specify which changes followed or how the series behaved. Organise the report into an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph comparing the main changes over time. Use precise references such as “by 2013” and “in contrast” to make the progression clear.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary is sufficient to identify the subject and basic trends, with phrases such as “line graph,” “steadily decreased,” and “highest number.” However, the range is narrow and some choices are inaccurate or awkward, including “number shops,” “closing of shops,” and “open in market.” These expressions make the description less precise, particularly when distinguishing shop closures from shop openings. Repetition of “shop” and “number” also limits flexibility. Use standard chart language and accurate collocations, such as “the number of shops that closed,” “shop openings,” and “reached a peak.” Take care to choose wording that reflects the data rather than suggesting a continuous trend that the graph does not show.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response mainly uses short, simple statements, with little variety in sentence structure. Several errors are noticeable: “The line graph demonstrates the number shops” is missing “of,” and “The graph shows continues fall” has an incorrect verb form and lacks an article. There are also agreement and article problems in “numerous shop were closing” and “highest number of shops were closed.” Capitalisation is inconsistent in “Almost,” and punctuation around “At that period of time” is faulty. These errors do not make the general topic impossible to understand, but they reduce clarity and control. Practise accurate noun phrases and subject–verb agreement, then combine simple sentences using correctly formed time clauses.

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