Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-28
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 5.5)
This graph shows the changes in the average prices of three metals during 2014. This is solely on the monthly basis not on yearly. I am summarizing this information by explaining main features of this graph and also have the attention towards the comparisons.
First of all, I would like to explain Nickle metal. In January, the price of the Nickle was on the top and started declining until the March. The price was changed from six percent to one percent which was a major decline regarding previous months.
If I talk about Copper metal, Its price was changed only up to two percent. This metal showed the changings in the trend. In addition fluctuations were not very high or low.
In Zinc case, only one percent changed happen regarding previous months. It was reached on two percent until March.
In conclusion, different metals had different prices in different months. Fluctuations was seeing in the prices of all these metals. Trend was started decreasing from January to onward. until December, the prices had changed from one to three percent as compared to previous months.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response attempts to summarise the graph but fails to provide a clear overview or highlight the most significant trends. The description of the data is fragmented and lacks precision. For example, the statement 'the price of the Nickle was on the top' is vague, and the interpretation of the data points is inaccurate, as the graph shows monthly fluctuations rather than a simple decline from January to March. The response lacks a clear summary of the main features and fails to make meaningful comparisons between the three metals. To improve, you must identify the overall trends and key data points rather than listing individual months in a disjointed manner.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inappropriate, such as 'In Zinc case' or 'In conclusion, different metals had different prices'. The referencing is often unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the metals. The introduction is also problematic as it includes meta-commentary ('I am summarizing this information') rather than a direct paraphrase of the task. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, often relying on basic structures. There are several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'Nickle' (Nickel) and 'changings' (changes). The phrase 'reached on two percent' is non-standard. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic topic, it lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. You should focus on using more accurate terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a marginal increase', rather than repeating 'changed' or 'declined'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'This is solely on the monthly basis not on yearly', 'In Zinc case, only one percent changed happen', and 'Fluctuations was seeing'. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by errors in subject-verb agreement and preposition usage. To reach a higher band, you need to demonstrate better control over basic sentence construction and work on using a wider variety of complex structures with greater accuracy.
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