Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014. The three metals discussed here are copper, nickel and zinc. In the month of January, nickel had 6% average change in its price which was decreased in later months. The average difference in price for nickel went down to 4% in February and it reached its least average price in the month of June where the average cost for nickel was down to -3%.

Copper started with 2% change in its average price which was less than the starting average of nickel. Same as nickel, the average price for copper was also decreased and it reached a mean of -0.5% in the months of May and June. Afterwards, the mean price for copper was stable to 1% average change in later months. Zinc started as the least average price of 1%, as compared to the nickel and copper. But, irrespective of declining of change in its average price, as copper and nickel did, there was an increase in its average price in months from February to June. In June, the change in median of copper was higher than zinc and nickel. Till December, zinc gained highest change of 2% in its average price. While copper remains at 1.5% and nickel had lowest with 1%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response provides a clear overview of the trends for the three metals. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the starting points and the fluctuations throughout the year. However, the analysis is slightly hindered by some inaccuracies in interpreting the data; for instance, you mention a 'median' in June, which is not supported by the graph, and the description of the trends could be more precise. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points mentioned are clearly supported by the visual evidence and avoid using statistical terms like 'median' unless they are explicitly represented in the chart.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction followed by body paragraphs that group the information by metal. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'afterwards' and 'in contrast', to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes a bit mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The transition between the description of nickel and copper is clear, but the final paragraph feels slightly rushed. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring a smoother progression between ideas would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'average monthly change', and 'declining'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'irrespective of declining of change' and 'gained highest change', which sound slightly unnatural. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, incorporating more precise collocations related to data description—such as 'experienced a downward trend' or 'reached a peak'—would elevate your score. The vocabulary is generally clear and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'which was decreased' (passive voice error), 'irrespective of declining of change', and 'copper remains at 1.5%' (tense inconsistency). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding the data. To improve, focus on consistent verb tenses when describing past data and ensure correct preposition usage. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will help you achieve a higher band.

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