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 monthly change in the prices of three metals opper, nickel and zinc during 2014.
Overall Nickel price shrinked rapidly over the months from 6% in january to -3% in june. Zinc shows the bit stable behaviour as compared with nickel. In first two months it show some increase 1% to 3% in price and then starts decline till june -3%. In contrast copper shows the stable price action, it starts 2% in jan and go almost 0 in May and june then reclaimed its previous position 2% in December.
In overall conclusion, nickel faced worst price action from starts till june and make some upside move and remains stable in three july, august and september and in october it slightly decline and in last two months it perform pretty well and went -2% to 1%. Nickel is worst performing metal in all aspects as compared to zinc and copper, other two metals are relitively stable and best performing with nickel.
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, identifying the trends for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks precision in reporting data points. For instance, stating 'nickel price shrinked' or 'zinc shows the bit stable behaviour' lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. While you have attempted to make comparisons, the description of the trends is occasionally confusing, particularly in the final paragraph where the summary of the latter half of the year becomes difficult to follow. To improve, ensure that you clearly distinguish between the overall trends and specific data points, and avoid informal phrasing like 'worst price action'.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for a Task 1 response. However, the progression of ideas within the paragraphs is sometimes disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'in' to start sentences. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the metals in the final paragraph. The transition between the overview and the detailed description could be smoother. To achieve a higher score, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'subsequently', 'in contrast to') to better connect your observations and improve the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'shrinked' (should be 'shrank' or 'declined'), 'bit stable behaviour', and 'price action'. The spelling of 'opper' (copper) and 'relitively' (relatively) also indicates a need for more careful proofreading. While you attempt to describe trends, the language remains somewhat repetitive. To improve, incorporate more precise terminology for describing graphs, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained constant', 'peaked', or 'experienced a downward trend', and ensure you are using standard collocations for financial data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'In first two months it show some increase' (should be 'showed'), 'it starts 2% in jan and go almost 0' (should be 'started at 2% and went to almost 0'), and 'nickel faced worst price action'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with capitalization and comma usage. The errors are noticeable and occur throughout the text. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tense usage (past tense is required for 2014 data), and correct article usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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