Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
The graph illustrates the monthly percentage change in the prices of three metals—copper, nickel, and zinc—relative to the previous month throughout 2014.
Overall, all three metals recorded their highest price increases in January, followed by a general downward trend that pushed prices into negative territory by the middle of the year. Towards the end of the year, however, all three showed signs of recovery.
Nickel exhibited the greatest volatility over the period. Its price surged by 6% in January before declining steadily to a low of -3% in June, the lowest figure recorded by any of the three metals. It then fluctuated at around -1% until October, when it fell slightly to -2%, before recovering to 1% in both November and December.
Zinc followed a broadly similar, though less dramatic, pattern. After reaching a peak of 3% in February, its monthly price change declined gradually, bottoming out at around -1% between June and October. It then recovered steadily, ending the year at 2% in December.
By contrast, copper remained comparatively stable throughout the year. Its monthly price changes fluctuated within a narrow range of approximately -1% to 1%, never experiencing the sharp swings observed in either nickel or zinc.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
You have provided a very strong response that fully addresses the requirements of the task. You successfully identified the main features, such as the initial peak in January and the subsequent downward trend for all three metals. The comparisons between the metals are clear, particularly the contrast between the high volatility of nickel and the relative stability of copper. You have selected relevant data points to support your descriptions, such as the specific percentages for nickel and zinc. The overview is concise and accurately captures the primary trends, meeting the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the data, which makes the information easy to follow. You have used a good range of cohesive devices, such as 'Overall,' 'Towards the end of the year,' 'By contrast,' and 'After reaching a peak,' which effectively guide the reader through the analysis. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the general overview and the detailed body paragraphs is seamless. The information is presented in a coherent manner throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'exhibited the greatest volatility,' 'bottoming out,' 'fluctuated within a narrow range,' and 'sharp swings' show a sophisticated control of language. The vocabulary is used accurately to describe trends and changes in data. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and fits the formal tone required for an IELTS Academic Task 1 response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentence forms, such as 'After reaching a peak of 3% in February, its monthly price change declined gradually,' and 'Its monthly price changes fluctuated within a narrow range... never experiencing the sharp swings observed in either nickel or zinc.' Punctuation is used correctly to manage these complex sentences. The response is virtually error-free, demonstrating a high level of control over English grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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