Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The line graph compares the average monthly change in prices of three different metals in 2014.
Overall, all three metals experienced fluctuation in prices throughout the period, with nickel accounting for the highest figures in the beginning of the year, whereas zinc recorded the highest figure by the end of the year. In addition, copper remained relatively unchanged throughout the year, despite it experiencing fluctuations.
Looking first at nickel's average monthly change in prices, nickel recorded the highest figures in January. Despite this, it recorded a considerable decline, falling to 1% in December. In addition, experienced significant fluctuations compared with the other metals.
Regarding the rest of the metals, copper remained relatively unchanged as it started at 2% in January and ended at approximately 1.9% in December. However, zinc it experienced considerable fluctuations. It also peaked at 3% in February, although it fell to 2% by the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying trends for all three metals. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention that nickel had the highest figures initially and zinc at the end, the description of the data points lacks precision. For example, stating nickel fell to '1%' in December is vague without referencing the starting point or the extent of the drop more clearly. Additionally, the comparison between the metals could be more integrated; currently, the report feels like a list of individual descriptions rather than a cohesive summary of the comparative trends. To improve, ensure you highlight the most significant peaks and troughs with more specific data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Looking first at', and 'Regarding the rest of the metals' helps guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The second body paragraph is quite short compared to the first. Improving the flow between sentences by using more varied referencing—rather than repeating 'it' or 'the metals'—would enhance the overall coherence and make the progression of ideas feel more natural and sophisticated.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'recorded', 'considerable decline', and 'peaked'. These are appropriate for describing trends in a graph. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'recorded' and 'remained'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for change and movement, such as 'plummeted', 'stabilized', 'surged', or 'marginal'. The word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'In addition, experienced significant fluctuations' (missing subject) and 'zinc it experienced' (redundant pronoun). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the message, they indicate a lack of full control over complex structures. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that every sentence has a clear, complete subject. Increasing the variety of complex sentence forms, such as using participial phrases or relative clauses more effectively, would help demonstrate a wider grammatical range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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