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)

he line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage changes in the prices of three metals, namely copper, nickel, and zinc, throughout 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced the most significant fluctuations during the year, while copper showed the most stable pattern. Although nickel started with the highest increase, it ended the year with a lower change compared with zinc. In contrast, zinc showed an overall upward trend by the end of the period.

In January, nickel recorded the largest rise in price, at approximately 6%, compared with 2% for copper and 1% for zinc. However, nickel prices fell sharply over the following months, reaching a low of around -3% in June. After this decline, the figure recovered gradually and finished the year at about 1%.

Copper experienced relatively minor changes throughout

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, as it is only 129 words long. Consequently, the description of the data is incomplete; the report cuts off abruptly while discussing copper, and the zinc data is not fully detailed or compared. While the introduction and overview are clear and identify the main trends, the failure to complete the task significantly impacts the score. To improve, you must ensure you provide a full summary of all data points presented in the graph and ensure the response meets the minimum length requirement to allow for a full development of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and the start of a body paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'However', and 'After this decline' are used effectively to link ideas. However, because the text is incomplete and ends mid-sentence, the overall progression is interrupted. The paragraphing is appropriate for the length provided, but the lack of a concluding section or a fully developed body paragraph limits the coherence of the overall response. Ensure that you complete your analysis to maintain a logical flow throughout the entire report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data description task, using terms such as 'fluctuations', 'upward trend', 'recorded', and 'recovered gradually'. These choices are precise and help convey the information clearly. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors in the text provided. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied reporting verbs or adverbs to describe the intensity of the changes, such as 'plummeted' or 'marginal'. The current range is adequate for the task, but it needs to be sustained over a longer, complete response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The grammar is generally accurate, with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used subordinate clauses effectively, such as 'Although nickel started with the highest increase, it ended the year with a lower change'. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no major errors that impede communication. The control of tense is consistent with the requirements of describing past data. To improve, aim to include a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or more sophisticated comparative forms, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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.