IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Shops that Closed

In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are often required to interpret and present information from charts, graphs like for the topic – The graph shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018 – from Cambridge IELTS 17 Test 4, tables or a combination of any of these two.

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 1 requires a strategic approach to interpreting data accurately and expressing findings coherently. By systematically analyzing the graph showing the number of closed shops and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018, you can hone their skills in presenting complex information with clarity and precision. If you want to perfect your writing skills for Academic Writing Task 1, make sure to use the writing practice tests.

Let’s have a look at the Line Graph – The graph shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018 – with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores ranging from band 7-9.

Question

Structure Breakdown

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 1 Question – Shops that closed

The graph presents the data for a single country from 2011 to 2018, showcasing the openings and closures of shops.

As a whole, shop closures sharply declined in 2015, while shop openings gradually decreased. The correlation between shop openings and closures was evident in the early years, peaking in 2014. However, in subsequent years, the two became increasingly independent of each other.

In 2011, there were over 8,000 shop openings, followed by a notable drop in the subsequent year. From there, a steady increase occurred until 2014. Conversely, shop closures exceeded 6,000 in 2011, peaking at over 7,000 in 2013.

In 2015, about 4,000 shops opened, decreasing over the years to 3,000 in 2018. Shop closures, however, saw a significant drop below 1,000 in 2015, followed by a notable increase to over 5,000 in 2018. (142 words)

Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 1 Question – Shops that closed

The line graph illustrates the opening and closing of shops in a particular nation from 2011 to 2018. Overall, the year 2015 marked the highest number of shop closures, while the minimum number of shop openings occurred at the end of the period.

Examining the specifics, there were 65,000 shop closures in the initial year, which slightly decreased to 60,000 in 2012. The trend then fluctuated between 2013 and 2014. Notably, there was a significant reduction of around 200 closures in 2018, representing the most substantial change in the given period. Subsequently, minimal variations in shop closures were observed in the following years.

Looking at shop openings, the peak of 85,000 occurred in the first year, followed by a nearly halved count in 2012. Despite some fluctuations, the opening of shops surpassed 6,000 in the subsequent years. However, a considerable drop to 200 openings in 2015 reflected a decline in public preference. In the last two years, a consistent decrease was noted, reaching 3,000 shop openings in 2018.

In summary, the line graph depicts fluctuations in shop openings and closures, with 2015 being a significant turning point for closures, and a consistent decline observed in openings towards the end of the period. (207 words)

Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 1 Question – Shops that closed

IELTS Writing Task 1 connectors used in the sample answers for the graph shows the number of shops that closed

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers of the graph that shows the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018:

• As a whole/Overall
• However/Conversely
• Notably
• Subsequently
• Despite
• In summary
• Nevertheless

In the end, do not forget to proofread your answers carefully and use effective strategies for analysis of the combination charts like in the graph showing the number of shops that closed and the number of new shops that opened in one country between 2011 and 2018 are crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 1.

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