Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-09
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 line graph illustrates the average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.
Overall, nickel had a large proportion of price change at the starting of the year, then became the least changed one compared to the others. Conversely, zinc experienced an opposite trend, starting the lowest one in price change, concluding with the highest price change.
Nickel had increased its price 6% from the previous month in January, then it decreased until it reached -3% in June before concluding with 1% of change in price in December. In contrast, zinc, commenced the year with 1% of change, went up to 3% change in the following month before falling until it reached -1% of price change in June. Afterwards, it fluctuated slightly before ending the year with the most changed in price compared with previous month with 2%.
On the other hand, copper has experienced stable changes over the given period. Starting off with 2% change, decreased until it reached around -0.5% in June, then ended with approximately 1.5% of price change in December.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends for the three metals. You successfully highlighted the key features, such as the initial volatility of nickel and the relative stability of copper. However, the overview is slightly inaccurate; for instance, you state that zinc concluded with the highest price change, but the graph shows nickel ending at 1% and zinc at 2%, while your description of the trends could be more precise regarding the specific months. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data points cited are perfectly aligned with the visual information provided in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for each metal. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'In contrast', and 'Afterwards' helps to guide the reader through the comparisons. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. For example, the transition between the nickel and zinc descriptions could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals, which aids the overall structure. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more naturally rather than relying on standard transition markers.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'commenced', and 'proportion'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'the least changed one' and 'the most changed in price', which sound slightly unnatural. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band. Incorporating more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'marginal', 'significant', or 'a downward trajectory', would enhance the quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'starting the lowest one in price change' (should be 'starting as the lowest') and 'concluding with 1% of change in price' (should be 'a 1% change'). Additionally, there are minor issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing statistical data will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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