Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-08

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 graph illustrates the different prices in percentage of zinc, nickel and copper in comparison to last months. Overall, it shows that copper and zinc had low prices in early months compared to nickel but in the final month they have higher prices than nickel. In the case of zinc, there were various changes in its prices throughout the year. Initially, in the first month its prize was 1% then increased to 3% February. Afterwards it decreased to -1% in June then remained like this up to October beside slight fluctuations. In the last 4 months it jumped to 2%. In contrast, copper starts at 2% it went down for the first 6 months and was recorded at -0.5 percent. In July, it rose to 1% and steady there for the next 3 months then it shows fluctuation but still increase in the last month and follows behind zinc. The greatest changes were seen in nickel as in the 1st month its price was at 6% then it quickly decreased in the next 3 months still there was no stop to this trend and it continuous to reduced up to -3% in June. Then it climbed to -1% in the next month and stand there for the next three months. After October it significantly increased to 1% then there were no changes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, including the trends for all three metals. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with data from the graph. However, the task requires a comparison of the 'average monthly change', and your description of the data is sometimes slightly inaccurate (e.g., stating nickel 'continuous to reduced' when it actually fluctuated). To improve, ensure you focus on the comparative aspect more explicitly throughout the body paragraphs rather than just listing the changes for each metal individually. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Afterwards', and 'Initially' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by mechanical phrasing and some awkward transitions between sentences. For example, the transition between the description of zinc and copper could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals, which helps the reader follow your analysis. To reach a higher band, work on using a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'significantly', and 'recorded'. However, there are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'prize' instead of 'price', 'steady there' instead of 'remained steady', and 'no stop to this trend'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your report. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations related to data description, such as 'remained stable' or 'experienced a downward trend'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'it continuous to reduced', 'it rose to 1% and steady there'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some run-on sentences and missing commas. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding your points, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency. Focusing on consistent tense usage—since you are describing data from 2014—would significantly improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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