Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-05
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 5.5)
the graph illustrate the average monthly change in the price copper compared with previous month of three metals since 2014.
overall we can see that, Nickel experienced the greatest fluctuations throughout the year, while copper showed the most stable trend. all three metals declined in the middle of the year before recovering towards the end.
At the beginning of the year, nickel recorded highest increasing, at about 6% in January. however, its growth fell sharply to around 1% by march and dropped at -3% in June, which was the lowest figure on the chart. after that, it remained negative until October before recovering to around 1% in December.
Copper, on the other hand, changed only slightly. it started at about 2% in January and gradually decreased to around -1% in June. it then recovered to then approximately 1% between July and September, slipped slightly in October, and ended the year at about 1%.
Zinc began at around 1% reached a peak of nearly 3% in February, and then declined steadily. it fell to about -2% in October before rising again to finish the year at approximately 2% in December.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task well. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the volatility of nickel compared to the stability of copper, and provided relevant comparisons throughout the text. The overview is clear and sets the tone for the report. To reach a higher band, ensure that you provide more precise data points; for instance, when mentioning that zinc 'declined steadily', specifying the exact starting and ending points would strengthen the analysis. Overall, the information is well-selected and the trends are accurately described.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to each metal. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices like 'on the other hand' and 'after that', which help link the information. However, the cohesion is sometimes a bit mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the transition between sentences feels more natural. Paragraphing is used appropriately, which helps the reader navigate the report effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'stable trend', and 'recovered'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies and issues with word choice, such as 'recorded highest increasing' (should be 'recorded the highest increase') and 'dropped at -3%' (should be 'dropped to -3%'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on more precise collocations and ensuring correct word forms will help you achieve a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the graph illustrate', 'the price copper') and verb tenses/forms ('highest increasing'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several sentences starting with lowercase letters. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and ensure that you proofread for basic mechanical errors. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will help elevate your score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.