Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The following graph represents the average monthly change in the prices of three metals copper,nickel and zinc in percentage during 2014.
In comparision of all three metals, The metal which had the most noticible amount of changes is nickel as there was a complete rise in January which rapidly declined till midof the year but also gradually rose till December. While copper had a stagnant graph throughout with the least changes in the trends while Zinc was also seen with irregular highs and lows in the 12 months.
Nickel had the highest price change compared to other two in January with 6% while copper and zinc were about only 1-2% in spike. For all three metals where the price point declined seen in June with nickel being at -3%, copper was around -1% and zinc was also at -1% respectively. The line of copper shows a stagnant pattern and doesn't show irregular changes throughout the year which indicates a constant demand and suppy chain for copper.
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 the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the peak in January and the decline in June, you fail to provide a comprehensive overview of the fluctuations throughout the year. The description of copper as 'stagnant' is a good observation, but the data interpretation is occasionally imprecise, such as describing the trends as 'irregular highs and lows' without specifying the extent of these changes. To improve, ensure you select more key data points to support your comparisons and provide a clearer summary of the overall trends rather than just listing individual months.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'In comparision of all three metals' and 'While copper had a stagnant graph... while Zinc was also seen'. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother to improve the flow. Referencing is mostly clear, but the structure of the sentences sometimes makes it difficult to distinguish between the three metals when comparing them simultaneously. Using a wider variety of linking words would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'rapidly declined', 'stagnant', and 'irregular'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'complete rise' (which is unclear) and 'midof' (a spelling error). The phrase 'most noticible amount of changes' is also slightly unnatural. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated significantly', 'remained relatively stable', or 'experienced a sharp increase'. Avoid informal phrasing and ensure that your spelling is accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'In comparision of all three metals, The metal...' (capitalization error and awkward phrasing) and 'For all three metals where the price point declined seen in June' (missing verb/awkward syntax). Additionally, there are punctuation issues, such as missing spaces after commas (e.g., 'copper,nickel'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the clarity of your writing. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your complex sentences are constructed with correct grammatical markers.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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