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 given graph illustrate the average monthly alter in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc during 2014.
Overall, all three metals are following fluctuating trend. All of three had faced negative change in price in the middle of the year.
Starting with, Nickel embark with highest change in price in the month of january, which was 6 percent. Then faced a drop of 5 percent and changed to 1% in the month of march. Then remained same for one more month and dipped to -3 percent in the month of june and ended with 1 percent in the month of december. In contrast, Zinc started with 1 percent in starting of the year and followed upward trend for one month, with rise of 2 percent reached 3% in the month of february. Then started decreasing gradually and with fluctuating trend end up with highest price with 2 percent.
Turning to copper, started with 2 percent. Followed decreasing trend for 5 months and then increased gradually and reached 1 percent in the month of july. Remain same for three months and end up with 1.5 percent in the month of december.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for all three metals. However, the overview is somewhat weak; while it mentions a fluctuating trend, it fails to highlight the most significant differences between the metals, such as the fact that nickel experienced the most extreme volatility compared to the more stable copper. The data reporting is generally accurate, but some descriptions are slightly imprecise, such as stating zinc ended with the 'highest price' when the graph shows percentage change, not absolute price. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview provides a more analytical summary of the key trends rather than just stating they fluctuate.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Starting with', 'In contrast', and 'Turning to', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'Starting with, Nickel embark with...'. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, and the paragraphing could be more refined to better group the comparisons between the metals. The flow is generally easy to follow, but the use of cohesive devices lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'average monthly alter' instead of 'change' or 'fluctuation', and 'embark with' instead of 'began at'. The student relies on basic descriptors like 'highest' and 'decreasing trend'. While the meaning is clear, the lack of more sophisticated vocabulary and occasional errors in collocation (e.g., 'in starting of the year') limit the score. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'volatility', 'marginal', or 'significant decline'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Subject-verb agreement issues are common, such as 'The given graph illustrate' (should be 'illustrates') and 'All of three had faced' (should be 'All three faced'). There are also errors with articles and prepositions, such as 'in starting of the year' and 'in the month of january'. While these errors do not impede overall communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the accuracy of basic sentence construction and verb tenses is essential for improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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