Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-07
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 6.0)
The line graph gives the mean monthly variance in the prices of three metals during 2014. Overall, Nickel experiences the greatest amount of change in its prices throughout the year 2014.
Nickel's prices in the year varied more than the other two metals. At the start of the year, Nickel has the highest change in its prices with 6 percent. That is the highest recorded change recorded in the whole year. Also, Nickel recorded the least change in price compared with the previous month which was -3 percent in June. Nickel's overall net change from January up until December was 5 percent. Copper was about 0.5 percent and Zinc was -1 percent. This statistics show that Nickel's prices were the most inconsistent in 2014.
In addition to this, from the month July till September, there was general stagnancy in the prices of all the three metals. This displayed a net change of 0 during that period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the volatility of Nickel and the period of stagnation. However, the analysis is somewhat limited. While you mention the start and end points, the description of the trends lacks depth. For example, you mention a net change of 5 percent for Nickel but do not clearly explain how this relates to the monthly fluctuations shown in the graph. The comparison between the three metals is present but could be more detailed to better highlight the differences in their price behaviors throughout the year. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the data trends rather than focusing primarily on one metal.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding observation. The use of cohesive devices is generally effective, such as 'In addition to this' and 'Overall'. However, the progression of ideas within the second paragraph is slightly disjointed. The transition between discussing Nickel's specific monthly figures and the net change for all three metals feels a bit abrupt. Improving the flow between sentences would help the reader follow the comparison more smoothly. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate and the information is presented in a coherent manner.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'mean monthly variance', 'stagnancy', and 'inconsistent'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'This statistics show' (should be 'These statistics show') and 'general stagnancy', which is slightly unnatural in this context. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. Incorporating more sophisticated collocations related to data description, such as 'fluctuated significantly' or 'remained stable', would enhance your lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'Nickel has the highest change' (tense inconsistency, should be 'had') and 'That is the highest recorded change recorded' (repetitive). Additionally, 'This statistics show' contains a subject-verb agreement error. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on maintaining consistent tense usage when describing past data and ensure subject-verb agreement is accurate throughout your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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