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 graph illustrates the average monthly changes in the rates of Copper, Nickel and zinc metals during the year of 2014.

Overall, it is clear that Nickel metal fluctuate in all the month in 2014 and decreased in the end of the year, while Copper and Zinc metals increased slightly in end of the year.

To begin with Copper , in January month 2 percent change in price and decreased slightly until the month of June , then slowly rose and reached 1 percent in July and almost 2.5 percent in December. In January , 1 percent change in rates of Zinc metal and slightly decreased until the month of October -1 percent and increased in the November and December and reached 2 percent.

Nickel metal fluctuate all the year in 2014 and decreased in the end. The Nickel price changes to 6 percent to 1 percent

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main features of the graph, the reporting is somewhat mechanical and lacks a comprehensive overview. The description of the data is inconsistent; for instance, the summary of Nickel is vague, and the specific data points for Copper and Zinc are presented in a list-like fashion rather than being synthesized into a clear, analytical report. To improve, ensure you provide a more detailed summary and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for full development of the data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow between sentences is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive (e.g., 'In January', 'then slowly'). The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly. Ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that the progression of information is logical, moving from general trends to specific comparisons, rather than just listing data points in isolation.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. You rely on basic verbs like 'increased' and 'decreased' repeatedly. There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'in January month' and 'fluctuate all the year'. To improve, incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated significantly', 'experienced a marginal rise', or 'remained relatively stable'. Avoid redundant phrasing and focus on using precise terminology to describe the fluctuations in the metal prices.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Nickel metal fluctuate'), missing articles (e.g., 'in end of the year'), and incorrect preposition usage. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with few attempts at complex sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the use of articles and verb tenses. Practice combining simple sentences into more complex structures using subordinating conjunctions to demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.

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

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