Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-14

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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc compared with the previous month throughout 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced the most significant fluctuations during the year, while copper showed the least variation. All three metals experienced a decline around the middle of the year, before recovering towards the end of 2014. Nickel recorded both the highest increase and the lowest figure.

At the beginning of the year, nickel had the highest monthly change, at 6% in January, before falling sharply to 4% in February and 1% in March. It then remained relatively stable at around 1% in April, before declining to approximately -3% in June. From July to September, the figure recovered slightly and stayed at about -1%, but it fell again to -2% in October. After this, nickel increased considerably, reaching about 1% in November and December.

Copper started at approximately 2% in January and then gradually declined to around 0.5% in March and April. It fell below zero in May and June, reaching roughly -0.5%. However, its figure rose sharply to 1% in July and remained at this level until September. After a slight decline in October, copper recovered to around 1% by December. Zinc followed a different pattern, rising from 1% in January to a peak of 3% in February before declining steadily to -1% in June. It then remained slightly negative until October, after which it rose sharply to 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that highlights the main trends, such as nickel's volatility and the general mid-year decline. The selection of data is appropriate, and you have made relevant comparisons between the three metals throughout the report. The information is well-supported by specific data points from the graph, such as the 6% peak for nickel in January and the -0.5% low for copper in May. The response is well-structured and covers the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report comprehensively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. Cohesive devices are used naturally, such as 'At the beginning of the year,' 'From July to September,' and 'After this,' which help guide the reader through the chronological progression of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals and their trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring the reader can easily follow the comparisons made.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends and data, such as 'fluctuations,' 'remained relatively stable,' 'declining steadily,' and 'rose sharply.' The use of terminology is precise and fits the context of a graph description well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or varied synonyms for 'increase' or 'decrease' could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'It then remained relatively stable at around 1% in April, before declining to approximately -3% in June.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few, if any, grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the report. The writing is clear, professional, and easy to read.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.