Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the average prices change in monthly of three different metals(copper, nickel and zinc) in 2014. In this the price is compared with previous month in proportion.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that the Copper metal presented with average proportion and fluctuated with small amount over the period while Nickel was stand with the highest percentage in year of starting and decrease with the lowest amount in June after rise up over the period. Zinc was started with the almost same amount of Copper and unfortunately it prices are almost same as at the end.

To begin with, Copper was presented with 1% change of prices and it fluctuated over the period by increase only 1% and get 2% whereas Nickel begin with the highest amount with 6% but it steady declined by 9% and stand with -3% in June after it sour gradually and reached with exact 1%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response identifies the main features of the graph, such as the initial values and the general trends for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, the analysis is hampered by significant inaccuracies in reporting the data. For instance, stating that nickel 'steady declined by 9%' is not supported by the graph, and the description of the trends is often confusing or contradictory. While the task is addressed, the lack of precision in data interpretation prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that the figures cited accurately reflect the visual information provided and avoid vague descriptions like 'average proportion'.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is appropriate for a report. However, the progression of ideas is often unclear due to awkward phrasing and a lack of logical flow between sentences. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'To begin with' and 'Overall', but they are sometimes applied mechanically or incorrectly. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraph is abrupt. The referencing is also occasionally confusing, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison of the three metals throughout the year.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary range is limited and often imprecise. There are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'average proportion', 'stand with the highest percentage', and 'sour gradually' (likely intended as 'soared'). These errors occasionally impede communication, as the reader must guess the intended meaning. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a sharp decline', and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a high frequency of grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('it prices are almost same'), tense usage ('Zinc was started'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are awkward or incomplete, which forces the reader to re-read to understand the intended meaning. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, they are often faulty, leading to a lack of clarity. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction and ensure that verbs and subjects agree, as well as mastering the correct use of articles and prepositions.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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