Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-03
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 5.0)
The line graph represents data on the average monthly change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc during 2014. The data on the three metals across 2014 focusing on copper, nickel, and zinc. It is designed to show how the figures changed over time.
Overall, zinc followed a clear upward path ,while copper moved in the opposite direction. The most striking feature is nickel.
In details, zinc started rise in 1% in February and slightly increase and decrease in 2% in December month. Copper remained fairly, flat at 1% in April month, then rose in December month in approximately 2%. Meanwhile Nickel, peaked at 6% in January month, and decrease in June month at -3% before ending higher and lower and it remains constant prices at 1% in December.
In conclusion, the fluctuation prices in three metal is Nickel. Which is slightly increases or decreases. Then zinc is the second one whose prices also fluctuate.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, but the reporting is often inaccurate or confusing. For example, the description of zinc starting at 1% in February and ending at 2% in December is difficult to verify against the provided data, and the summary of nickel's movement is contradictory. The overview is present but lacks clarity, as it fails to accurately capture the overall trends of the three metals. To improve, ensure that data points are cited precisely and that the summary reflects the actual visual information provided in the graph rather than making vague or incorrect claims.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The transition between the introduction and the body is abrupt, and the concluding paragraph does not effectively synthesise the information, instead repeating some of the confusion found in the body. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Meanwhile' and 'In conclusion', but they are sometimes applied mechanically or incorrectly. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the data analysis. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'slightly increase and decrease' and 'remains constant prices' show a lack of precision. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'In details' instead of 'In detail' and 'fluctuation prices' instead of 'fluctuating prices'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic topic, it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more varied verbs to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'stabilised', or 'plummeted', and ensure correct grammatical forms of these words are used.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('zinc started rise'), tense usage, and prepositional errors ('in 1% in February'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'Which is slightly increases or decreases'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. To reach a higher band, you need to focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring that verbs are correctly conjugated and that prepositions are used accurately when discussing data and timeframes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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