Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-10
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 percentage of the price change for three metals with previous month during 2014.
Examining the detail of a nickel, the proportion of a nickel metal was noted the fluctuation from 6% to 1%, showing a sharp drop over the period. The prices of nickel was observed dramatic decline in month of June at the level of -3. After that, showed minimal rise and stay stable between July and September.
Although copper recorded fluctuation, it reached its level throughout the period. The figure observed a fall from 2% to nearly -1% in the month of June, , it reached the original level of price in December.
However, a zinc followed similar pattern compare to copper. The proportion of a zinc recorded the value of 1% less compared to January.
Overall, all metals showed downward trend compared to previous month. Nickel was dominant sector at the first, it took by zinc after the following month.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the downward trends and key fluctuations. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, the description of the data for copper and zinc is vague, lacking specific numerical references to support the claims made. The overview is present but lacks clarity, as the statement that 'all metals showed downward trend' is not entirely accurate given the fluctuations and end-of-year points. To improve, ensure that every trend described is supported by specific data points from the graph and provide a more precise summary of the overall movement of the prices.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by awkward transitions and unclear referencing. For example, the phrase 'After that, showed minimal rise' lacks a clear subject, and the connection between sentences in the second and third paragraphs is mechanical. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'Although' and 'However', they are sometimes used incorrectly or lead to confusing sentence structures. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each sentence clearly refers back to the subject would significantly enhance the readability and coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic terms like 'fluctuation', 'level', and 'proportion' without much variation. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'nickel was dominant sector at the first' and 'it took by zinc'. These errors occasionally make the meaning slightly unclear. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to trends, such as 'plummeted', 'stabilised', or 'marginal', and focus on using these words in their correct grammatical context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with article usage ('a nickel', 'the month of June'), subject-verb agreement ('The prices of nickel was observed'), and sentence structure ('it reached its level throughout the period' is vague). While there is an attempt to use complex sentences, they are often poorly constructed or contain errors. Focus on mastering basic sentence structures and ensuring that subjects and verbs agree before attempting more complex grammatical forms. Proofreading for missing articles and incorrect prepositions will also help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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