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 chat illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014 and make comparison and relevant.

Overall, the nickel most significant fluctuations through out the year, reaching the most highest and lowest figures. In contrast , copper showed relatively stable changes. In zinc followed a downward trend recovering end towards the year.

In january, nikel prices increased considerably 6% highest figure on the graph.However, this was followed by a sharp decline to around 1% in March, after which it remained relatively stable until May. Nickel then fell dramatically, reaching its lowest point of approximately -3% in June. It subsequently recovered to about -1% in July, remained at this level until September, and fell slightly again in October before rising sharply to around 1% in December.

Copper began at approximately 2% in January and gradually declined to around 0.5% by April. It then fell to about -1% in June, but recovered to approximately 1% in July. This figure remained almost unchanged until October, before increasing to about 1.5% in November and December.

Zinc started at around 2%, rose to 3% in February, and then generally declined. It reached approximately -1% in June, stayed negative during the following months, and finally increased sharply to around 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all parts of the task well. You have identified the main features and provided relevant comparisons between the three metals. The overview is clear, highlighting the volatility of nickel versus the relative stability of copper. However, the introduction is slightly weak due to grammatical errors ('line chat' instead of 'line chart', and 'make comparison and relevant' which is incomplete). While the data is accurately reported, the analysis could be further enhanced by grouping the trends more effectively to highlight the overall patterns rather than just listing the changes month by month. Overall, the response is well-structured and meets the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs for each metal. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. Cohesive devices are present, such as 'In contrast', 'However', and 'subsequently', which help guide the reader through the data. However, there are some minor issues with cohesion, such as the awkward phrasing in the introduction and the slightly disjointed transition between the overview and the body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the flow could be improved with more varied linking phrases to avoid a slightly mechanical feel.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuations', 'sharp decline', 'remained relatively stable', and 'recovered'. These terms are appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. There are some minor errors, such as 'most highest' (a tautology) and 'line chat' (a spelling error). While you demonstrate an ability to use less common vocabulary, the occasional errors in word choice and collocation prevent a higher score. The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication of the data points.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have successfully employed complex sentences to describe trends, such as 'It subsequently recovered to about -1% in July, remained at this level until September, and fell slightly again in October'. However, there are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('In contrast, copper'), incorrect prepositions ('in january' should be 'In January'), and minor punctuation issues. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Improving proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article usage would be beneficial.

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.