Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the mean monthly variation in the cost of three transition metals (copper, zinc, and nickel) in 2014.

Overall, zinc saw a slight rise in its value during the 12 months. Similarly, the price of copper dipped slightly in 2014. In contrast, the cost of nickel plummeted sharply during this period.

The value of copper was recorded at its lowest in May and June of 2014; it slightly improved over the months, and copper had a 0.5% decrease in value in 2014. Furthermore, Nickel recorded the highest loss of any metal in 2014, where its value plummeted by 5% in the year. Nickel hit the rock-bottom value in June of 2014, when its value declined by 9% from the start of the year.

The price of zinc had its highest value in February, when its price rose by approximately 2% over the month. Similarly, it recorded its lowest value in June and October, respectively. Overall, zinc recorded a slight increase in its value by 1% in 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main trends for all three metals. You have provided a clear overview and supported the key features with data from the graph. However, the analysis is slightly inconsistent; for instance, you mention that copper had a 0.5% decrease in 2014, but the graph shows monthly fluctuations rather than a single annual percentage. Additionally, the description of zinc's lowest value in 'June and October, respectively' is slightly confusing as it implies two distinct points for a single metal. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are interpreted with greater precision and that comparisons between the metals are more explicitly linked throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'In contrast', and 'Furthermore' to connect ideas effectively. The progression of information is generally smooth, moving from a general summary to specific details for each metal. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals. To improve, ensure that the transition between the overview and the specific details is more seamless, and avoid slightly repetitive sentence structures when introducing the data for each metal.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data description task, using terms like 'mean monthly variation', 'plummeted', and 'transition metals'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is generally successful. However, there are some minor issues with collocation and precision, such as 'hit the rock-bottom value', which is slightly informal for an academic report. The use of 'respectively' in the final paragraph is also slightly misused given the context. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly and with some style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow, and there are few errors that impede communication. You use passive voice appropriately in places, such as 'The value of copper was recorded'. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as the phrasing 'zinc recorded a slight increase in its value by 1% in 2014', which could be more concisely expressed. The punctuation is generally accurate, and the control over complex structures is sufficient for this band level.

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