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 compared to previous month during 2014.

Examining the details of nickel, the proportion of a nickel metal was noted the fluctuate from 6% to 1%, showing a sharp drop over the period. The prices of nickel was observed a dramatic decline in the month of June at the level of -3. After that, it showed minimal rise and stayed stable between July and September.

Although copper recorded fluctuations, 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, zinc followed similar pattern compare to copper. The proportion of zinc recorded the value of 1% less compared to January.

Overall, all metals showed a downward trend compared to previous month. Nickel was dominant sector at the first, it overtaken by zinc after the following month.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identify the downward trend, the description of the data points is occasionally inaccurate or vague, such as stating nickel fluctuated from 6% to 1% without clearly referencing the specific months or the full range of the data. The comparison between metals is present but lacks sufficient detail to fully support the trends described. To improve, ensure that key data points (peaks, troughs, and end values) are clearly linked to the correct time periods to provide a more precise summary of the information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly confusing. For example, the transition 'After that' is used, but the logical connection between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the final paragraph where the comparison between nickel and zinc is somewhat ambiguous. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would help the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main ideas, but there are some issues with word choice and collocation. Phrases like 'proportion of a nickel metal' and 'dominant sector at the first' are unnatural. Additionally, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'recorded' and 'showed'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'plummeted', 'stabilised', or 'marginal increase', and ensure that your collocations are accurate for an academic context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The prices of nickel was observed a dramatic decline' (subject-verb agreement and passive voice error) and 'similar pattern compare to copper' (missing preposition/verb form). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction often feels clunky. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice for data reporting will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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