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)
Task 1 Answer
The line graph illustrates the average monthly change in costs of three metals, i.e, copper, nickel, and zinc during 2014. Overall, the prices of nickel metal dropped significantly throughout the year, followed by a minor decrease in costs of copper. Despite some fluctuations, zinc metal prices dominated the category at the end of the year.
At the beginning of the year, nickel metal prices ranked the highest among all other categories with a figure of 6, while costs of zinc metal stood at 1%. Thereafter, change in prices of nickel began to drop significantly, and it fell down dramatically in month of June recording the figure of -3%, while percentage change in zinc metal prices increased after first month and remain higher than that of nickel till the end of the period.
The change in copper metal prices varied throughout the year and experienced the highest percentage change of 1% than that of other metals during the months of July, August and September. And at the end of December, it finished at 1.5%, slightly lower than zinc metal which stood at 2%.
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
You have successfully identified the main features and trends of the graph. The overview clearly highlights the contrasting performance of nickel compared to copper and zinc. You have made relevant comparisons, such as noting that zinc remained higher than nickel for most of the year. However, there are some inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, you mention copper reached 1.5% at the end of December, but the graph shows it closer to 1%. Additionally, the initial figure for nickel is described as 6, which is not supported by the axis labels. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are read with greater precision and that all comparisons are factually grounded in the provided visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'thereafter', 'at the beginning of the year', and 'at the end of December' helps to guide the reader through the timeline. However, the transition between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of 'And' to start the final sentence is slightly informal for an academic report. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the progression of ideas flows more naturally between sentences.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'dominated', and 'percentage change'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'costs of nickel metal' (it is more natural to say 'the price of nickel') and 'ranked the highest among all other categories' (which is slightly redundant). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Attempting to use more varied reporting verbs and precise descriptors for trends would enhance the quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('in month of June' should be 'in the month of June') and inconsistent use of prepositions. Additionally, the phrase 'remain higher' should be 'remained higher' to maintain consistent past tense throughout the report. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To achieve a higher score, focus on ensuring consistent tense usage and improving the accuracy of articles and prepositions, as well as incorporating more complex sentence structures with greater control.
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.