Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-30

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 6.0)

The above graph illustrates, the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014 compared with previous month.

Overall, the Nickle price was highest and Zinc price was low in January. The prices was changing in months according to their demand and supply.

At the beginning, Nickle recorded the highest increase by 6% in January before falling at 1% by march. Then it declined more in June recorded at lowest of all time -3% . After remaining slightly recorded at negative they ended up at 1%

Copper experienced much smaller change. It began roughly at 2% in January and steadily decrease at -1 % in May and then increased to 1% in July. and it ended with more than 1%.

Zinc has began with 1% in January and increased in February to 3% and it decreased in June by -1% and it increased in November to 2% and ended there only.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the starting and ending points, the description of the fluctuations lacks precision. For example, stating that nickel 'remained slightly recorded at negative' is vague and does not accurately reflect the data points provided in the graph. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that all key features, such as the most significant peaks and troughs, are clearly identified and supported with accurate data points. The overview provided is also quite basic and could be more analytical regarding the overall trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical. Phrases like 'At the beginning' and 'Then it declined' are used, but the transitions between sentences and ideas could be smoother. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'After remaining slightly recorded at negative they ended up at 1%', where it is not immediately obvious which metal is being referred to. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear pronoun referencing would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite repetitive and basic. You rely heavily on simple verbs like 'increased', 'decreased', and 'ended'. There is little attempt to use less common or more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'dipped', or 'remained stable'. Additionally, there are some spelling errors, such as 'Nickle' instead of 'Nickel', and minor issues with word choice, such as 'recorded at lowest of all time', which is not appropriate for a monthly graph. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adverbs will help improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('The prices was changing'), incorrect verb tenses ('Zinc has began'), and missing articles or prepositions. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences ending abruptly or having unnecessary spaces before punctuation marks. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for tense consistency and subject-verb agreement will be very beneficial.

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