Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-12

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 information about the prices of three metals that how there are change in a year 2014.

In this line graph we have information about three metals that are Copper, Nicker and Zinc. The x azis represents a timeline that is in Months and y axis represents percentage in changing their prices. during the start of the year the highest percent is 6 that is Nickel, Copper is at 2 percent andthe lowest is Zinc that is at 1%.

But soon the time passes we see price of Copper is gradually decreases and in comes at 1% in the mid of the year. There is show that the price of nickel is rapidly increase in next month by three percent but in next three months they are again start decreasing. Zinc also seems decreasing continuously and in mid of the month it comes at -1 percent.

Copper shows again increase in next six month of year but becomes constant at 1 percent inJuly to September and at the end of year it goes at 2 percent. Nickel starts increasing in next month but same like copper its price is constant between July to Sptember, decrease in next month by one percent and again increase by 2 percent in next month and stops at 1 percent at the end of year. Zinc also seems constant in from June to october and gradually increase in next month and at the end of year it stops at 2 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the starting points and the general trends for the three metals. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical, and there are inaccuracies in the reporting of data points (e.g., describing Zinc as starting at 1% when it is clearly below zero). While the key features are identified, the comparison between the metals is underdeveloped. To reach a higher band, you should focus on grouping the data more effectively to highlight significant trends and ensure that the data points cited are accurate according to the visual evidence provided in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in next month' or 'at the end of year'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the transition between sentences feels disjointed at times. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would significantly enhance the flow of the response. The logical progression is present but could be made more sophisticated through better signposting.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'that how there are change' and 'in mid of the month'. The range of vocabulary is limited to basic descriptors like 'increase' and 'decrease'. To improve, you should incorporate more varied terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'a marginal decline'. Additionally, there are minor spelling errors like 'azis' instead of 'axis' and 'Nicker' instead of 'Nickel'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include incorrect article usage ('the price of nickel is rapidly increase'), subject-verb agreement errors, and awkward sentence construction ('There is show that...'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to distract the reader. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence structure, specifically the correct use of verb tenses when describing past trends and ensuring that articles and prepositions are used accurately.

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

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