Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-12

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel and zinc (2014)

Student answer (Band 6.0)

The graph illustrates the monthly price change trends of copper, nickel and zinc in the year 2014. The price change is represented in percentage of rise and fall in each month compared with the previous month.

Overall, sharp drop in price of nickel was seen compared to the start of the year, while copper and zinc had mild fluctuations in its price.

In January, the price of nickel increased by 6% but later dropped to under 1% by the month of May. In June, the value of nickel dropped to its lowest (-3%). It showed some upward trend after october and by the end of the year the price increased to 2% change. In contrast to nickel, both zinc and copper had less change in price at the start of the year. The former had 1% while the latter had 2% rise. The value of copper declined after January as it reached to negative by the month of June. It had some positive change but at the end of the year the price was still below 2%.

Overall, among the three metal Zinc had the best value as its price increased to 2% change while nickel had the biggest decline with its value dropping from 6% to 1% by the end of the year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the three metals and give an overview that nickel fell sharply while copper and zinc fluctuated less, which captures an important contrast. Several details are also relevant, including nickel’s January peak and June low, and copper’s move into negative territory. However, some reporting is inaccurate or unclear: nickel ends at about 1%, not 2%, and zinc—not nickel—finishes at 2%. The statement that copper was “still below 2%” is true but imprecise, as it ends at roughly 1.5%. The overview also calls zinc the metal with the “best value,” although the chart shows monthly percentage changes rather than absolute prices. More precise comparisons across the year, especially zinc’s rise and subsequent fall, would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph describing monthly details. The contrast marker “In contrast to nickel” helps connect the series, and the sequence from January to the end of the year is generally easy to follow. However, the final paragraph repeats the overview and introduces a conclusion that conflicts with the preceding account, making the progression less clear. Some references are also difficult to track: “the former” and “the latter” require the reader to infer which metal is meant, and “it” is used for different metals in close succession. Organise the body around clearer comparisons and use explicit metal names where needed to improve cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of task-related vocabulary, including “monthly price change,” “declined,” “negative,” “upward trend,” and “fluctuations.” These choices communicate the main movements, and the meaning is generally clear. However, some expressions are imprecise or do not fit the chart well. “Best value” suggests an absolute price or quality, whereas the graph reports percentage changes; “price change trends” is also somewhat awkward. Repetition of “price,” “change,” and “value” limits variety, while phrases such as “dropped to under 1%” could be more exact. Use terms such as “monthly percentage change,” “rose,” “fell,” and “ended at” consistently, and distinguish a rise in the rate from the price level itself.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use both simple and more complex sentence forms, including the contrast structure “In contrast to nickel…” and the time clause “after January as it reached…”. Most sentences remain understandable, but some grammatical errors and awkward constructions are present. The overview needs an article and a clearer subject: “Overall, a sharp drop in nickel’s price…” would be more complete. In “the former had 1% while the latter had 2% rise,” the second clause needs an article (“a 2% rise”), and “among the three metal” should be “among the three metals.” The sentence beginning “It showed some upward trend after october” also needs an article and correct capitalisation. More consistently accurate articles, plurals, and sentence patterns would strengthen control.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.