Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line chart illustrates the average monthly modification in the prices of three various metals such as copper, nickel and zinc during 2014.
Overall, it is observed that the proportion change in the rate of nickel and copper were significantly decreased while zinc showed profit slightly compared with previous month.
In January, nickel made up 6% change which was the highest than other two metals. It reduced to 1% by April, further experienced down fall below 0 and rose by 2% but still remained below 0 in July. After July, it recorded stagnant till September and it reached to 1% by December.
On the other hand, Copper and Zinc showed around 2% and 1% alteration in the rate in the first month. The percentage rose to 3% for Zinc and declined by 1% for Copper in February. Further, both declined gradually below 0 by June but did not fell as much as Nickel. They managed to reach ratio above 2% till the last month after undergoing several fluctuations.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview and identifies key trends for the three metals. You successfully highlighted the initial high point for nickel and the general fluctuations of copper and zinc. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, stating 'it recorded stagnant till September' is vague, and the description of the trends could be more analytical by comparing the specific peaks and troughs more effectively. While you covered the main features, the lack of precise data points for some months makes the summary feel slightly under-developed in terms of reporting the 'main features' as required by the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, and you use some cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'In January'. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'it recorded stagnant till September'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the 'ratio' or 'proportion change', which makes the flow of information slightly disjointed. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that the subject of each sentence is clearly defined would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'stagnant', and 'alteration'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'average monthly modification' is not the most natural phrasing for price changes, and 'profit' is incorrectly used to describe a price increase. Additionally, 'did not fell' is a grammatical error that also impacts lexical precision. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'volatility' or 'marginal increase', and ensure collocations are used accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the proportion change... were significantly decreased' (subject-verb agreement), 'did not fell' (incorrect verb form), and 'it reached to 1%' (unnecessary preposition). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the frequency of these minor errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and correct verb tense usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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