Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-29

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 8.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. Overall, nickel showed the most significant fluctuations throughout the year, while copper remained relatively stable. Zinc displayed moderate variations, generally following a similar trend to nickel but with less extreme changes.

At the beginning of the year, nickel recorded a sharp increase of about 6% in January, the highest among the three metals. However, its growth declined rapidly over the next few months, falling to around 1% by March and continuing downward. By June, nickel prices had dropped dramatically to approximately -3%, marking the lowest point on the graph.

Copper, in contrast, experienced only minor fluctuations. It started at around 2% in January and gradually decreased, staying close to zero for most of the year. Although there was a slight dip into negative territory around mid-year, copper prices remained comparatively stable and ended the year with a small positive change.

Zinc showed moderate movement during the year. It began with an increase of about 1–2% in the early months, then declined to around -1% in the middle of the year. After this period, zinc prices gradually recovered and rose steadily, finishing the year with a noticeable increase of about 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the trends and successfully selected and reported the main features of the graph. The comparisons between the three metals are well-integrated, such as noting that nickel had the most significant fluctuations while copper remained stable. The data points are accurately referenced, and the summary is logically structured. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently highlight the most significant data points or turning points, such as the specific months where the trends diverged most sharply, to provide an even more analytical summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific metal, which makes the information easy to follow. You have used a good range of cohesive devices, such as 'In contrast', 'However', and 'At the beginning of the year', to link sentences and paragraphs effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the data. The flow is smooth, and the use of referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a Task 1 report. Phrases like 'significant fluctuations', 'recorded a sharp increase', and 'remained comparatively stable' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise enough to convey the trends in the graph without repetition. While the range is sufficient for the task, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items related to data description (e.g., 'volatility', 'marginal', 'upward trajectory') would further enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('marking the lowest point on the graph') and subordinate clauses ('while copper remained relatively stable'), with very few errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical issues that impede communication, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the report.

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