Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the average monthly price differences between three metals for the year of 2014.
Overall, it can be clearly seen that at the beginning of the year, Nickel was at the top of the graph in terms of price compared to the rest of the materials; however, at the end of the year, its rate dropped significantly. From July to September, the trio metals remained almost stable.
Getting back to the details, Nickel took a nosedive and decreased until June at -3%, after an increase and stable condition in the last month of the year, it maintained a similar percent of only 1%, being the lowest among Copper and Zinc, at the end of the month, Copper price changes increased to 2% , being the highest.
Zinc price difference went up in the month of February to 3% and then showed a downward trend by reaching at -1 in July; then, from June to September it was stable, moreover, its price changes rose up to 2% in December.
Copper price differences declined in January at roughly under 0 % then started rising to 1%. At the year-end, it was slightly below to 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
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for all three metals. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. The overview is slightly inaccurate, as the graph shows monthly changes rather than absolute prices, and the student incorrectly interprets the data as 'prices' rather than 'price changes'. While the key trends are identified, the description of the data points is occasionally confusing, such as the reference to 'the trio metals' and the unclear explanation of the fluctuations between July and September. To improve, ensure you clearly distinguish between the value of the change and the price itself, and provide a more precise summary of the overall trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'Getting back to the details' and 'the trio metals'. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track which metal is being discussed at certain points. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would enhance the overall flow and coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. Phrases like 'took a nosedive' are slightly informal for an Academic Task 1 report. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'trio metals' and 'similar percent of only 1%'. While the student attempts to use some descriptive language, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a tendency to repeat basic structures. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained constant', or 'marginal increase'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with prepositions and articles, such as 'at the end of the month, Copper price changes increased to 2%' and 'reaching at -1'. Some sentences are slightly disjointed, which impacts the clarity of the information. While the errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable throughout the text. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing data points on a graph.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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