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 monthly price fluctuation of three metals copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, it is clear that the price of nickel declined substantially throughout the year which was the most expensive at the beginning of the year, whereas zinc also followed downward trend but overcame during the last month of the year. In contrast, copper value remained relatively stable during the year.

In the month of January, approximately 6% change in price of nickel has been seen. The figure drastically came down to -3% in June. Though the trend goes upward steadily during the last six months remained only 1% at the end of the year.

Regarding the other metals, the price of zinc faced a raise in February which was 3% nevertheless it came down to -1% in June. But it increased to 2% which is slightly higher than the beginning of the year. Finally, the price of copper showed a little change, fluctuated slightly from 2% in January to 1.5% in December in 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and selects key features for comparison. You successfully identified the downward trend for nickel and the relative stability of copper. However, the description of zinc is slightly confusing; stating it 'overcame' is imprecise, and the data points for zinc are not fully accurate based on the graph (e.g., the peak in February is closer to 2% than 3%). To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are cited with greater precision and that the comparison between the three metals is more explicitly linked throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Regarding the other metals', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the connection between the overview and the body paragraphs could be tighter to ensure a more seamless flow of information. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate and the progression of ideas is clear.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'substantially', and 'steadily'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'overcame' to describe a price trend, which is not standard in this context. Additionally, 'faced a raise' is slightly unnatural; 'experienced an increase' would be more appropriate. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'which was the most expensive at the beginning of the year' (dangling modifier) and 'remained only 1% at the end of the year' (missing subject). The phrase 'price of copper showed a little change, fluctuated slightly' is a comma splice. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and avoiding comma splices will improve your accuracy.

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

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