Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-14

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 4.0)

The line chart illustrates the percentage variation in the prices of the metals compared with previous month during 2014. Overall, the data reveals that at start of the year nickel price was highest. prices of zinc and copper was

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 2.5

The opening identifies the chart’s subject and correctly notes that nickel had the highest price change at the start of the year. However, the response stops before completing its overview: “prices of zinc and copper was” is unfinished, and no further trends, comparisons, or figures are reported. As a result, it does not adequately summarise the main features of the graph, such as nickel’s sharp fall by June, the metals’ negative changes around mid-year, or their recovery toward December. The response also falls substantially short of the required 150 words, leaving the task only minimally addressed. To improve, complete the overview and report several key comparisons across the year using accurate data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 3.5

The response begins with a recognisable introduction and then attempts to move into an overview with “Overall,” which gives it a basic sense of direction. However, the second sentence ends abruptly at “prices of zinc and copper was,” so the ideas do not form a complete or logically developed account. There is no paragraph development or progression through the months, and the reader cannot see how the metals’ trends relate to one another. The linking phrase is appropriate, but cohesion cannot be sustained in such a short, incomplete response. Complete the overview, then organise the main details into a clear sequence—for example, describe the early-year changes before comparing the mid-year decline and late-year recovery.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant task vocabulary, including “line chart,” “percentage variation,” “prices,” and “metals,” and the meaning of the opening is generally clear. However, the range is very limited because the response ends after two sentences and does not use language to describe movement or comparison. “Percentage variation” is understandable, though “percentage change” would be a more natural description of the graph’s measure. The phrase “compared with previous month” also needs a more natural expression, such as “compared with the previous month.” To develop this criterion, use precise trend vocabulary such as “fell,” “recovered,” “peaked,” and “remained stable,” while avoiding repetition of “prices” and “metals.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The opening sentence is a complete, understandable simple sentence, and “Overall” introduces an attempted second sentence. However, the response provides too little evidence of grammatical range, and the second sentence is incomplete: “prices of zinc and copper was” has no finished predicate or complete idea. There is also an agreement error in “prices … was,” where the plural subject requires “were.” In “compared with previous month,” the article is missing before “previous month.” These errors are noticeable, although the intended meaning of the opening remains clear. Aim to write complete sentences, check subject–verb agreement and articles, and include a controlled mix of simple and complex structures when describing the chart.

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