Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-04

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 4.0)

I am explaining the graph that describe the average monthly change in the prices that fluctuate during 2014.

It demonstrate the three metals that elaborate its main feature that made comparison.

Firstly I am expressing about Copper that show 2% increase in January while decreasing till whole year gradually.

Secondly if I explain about nickel that was at peak showing 6% increase in prices then suddenly falling down to 1% & then -3 to 1%.

thirdly I am talking about

Zinc that in January it

was at 1%. Then gradually increase

to 3% in month of february.

However it also show detine

in prices whole.

If I summarize it by comparing

Nickel and zinc then nickel

show more fluctuation during the

whole. Nickel was most lowest

in June that was about -3.

finally in conclusion copper

show more stability rather than

nickel and zinc one thing

found common between three

metals is -that all are remain

consisten in July August and September

Nickel and zinc. While copper show teadily performance by 1%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response attempts to summarise the graph but fails to provide a clear overview or highlight the most significant trends. The description of the data is fragmented and often inaccurate, such as the claim that copper decreased for the 'whole year' when the graph shows fluctuations. The report lacks a professional tone, frequently using first-person references like 'I am explaining' or 'I am talking about', which is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. Key features are not clearly identified, and the data points mentioned are often difficult to follow due to the lack of a structured analytical approach.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The essay lacks logical progression. While there are attempts at paragraphing, the structure is disjointed, and the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and often misused (e.g., 'Firstly I am expressing', 'thirdly I am talking about'). The referencing is unclear, and the flow of information is hindered by the repetitive and informal sentence structure. The text does not read as a cohesive report, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison of the three metals effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'show', 'increase', and 'decrease', and the student struggles with appropriate terminology for describing trends (e.g., 'detine' instead of 'decline', 'teadily' instead of 'steady'). There is no evidence of less common lexical items or an attempt to use precise language to describe data fluctuations. The phrasing is often awkward and does not meet the requirements for academic writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede communication. There are significant issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'copper show', 'nickel show'), tense usage, and sentence construction. Many sentences are fragmented or run-on, and punctuation is inconsistent. The range of structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple, poorly constructed sentences. The lack of control over basic grammar makes the report difficult to read and understand.

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