Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-13

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 chart illustrates the information about the rate of different metals such as Copper, Nickel, and Zinc vary according to distinct months, in the year 2014. It is clear that all three metals experienced fluctuation in their growth over the months.

To commence with, in 2014 Nickel holds first position in January as compared to other two metals. Whereas, Copper and Zinc price remained somewhere to vicinity. Surprisingly, Zinc price was slightly increased in next month and gradually decreased to -1% in the June. Moreover, this figure showed steady constant growth between June to October and again rose to 2%, at the end of the year.

Furthermore, Nickel metal price had sharply dropped from 6% to -3% till June and grew in July. After, the price stayed vary and reached to 1% in December. In contrast, Copper rates steadily grew as well as declined until October month and climbed near to Zinc, in 2014.

Overall, it has been evident that all 3 different metals intersect each other figure and showed degradation in the price throughout the year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the initial positions and the general trends of the three metals. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks precision in reporting data points. For instance, stating that Copper and Zinc prices remained 'somewhere to vicinity' is vague and does not accurately reflect the data. Furthermore, the description of the trends is occasionally confusing, such as the claim that all metals showed 'degradation' throughout the year, which contradicts the growth seen in the latter half of the year. To improve, you should focus on selecting key data points to support your descriptions and ensure your summary accurately reflects the overall trends shown in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'To commence with', 'Moreover', and 'In contrast' to link ideas. However, the flow within paragraphs is sometimes disjointed. For example, the transition between the description of Zinc and Nickel is abrupt, and the use of 'After' at the start of a sentence is grammatically awkward. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track which metal is being discussed. Improving the variety and accuracy of your linking words will help create a smoother progression of ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'intersect', and 'degradation'. However, there are several instances of inaccurate word choice and collocation. Phrases like 'remained somewhere to vicinity' and 'stayed vary' are non-standard and impede clarity. Additionally, 'degradation' is not the most appropriate term to describe price changes in this context. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a sharp decline'. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and adjectives will significantly enhance your writing.

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 hinder communication. Issues include incorrect preposition usage (e.g., 'in the June'), subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., 'Nickel metal price had sharply dropped'), and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'all 3 different metals intersect each other figure'). While the meaning is generally understandable, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevent the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles and prepositions will help improve the accuracy of your sentences.

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