Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The given line graph illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals in the year 2014
Overall, there is a dramatic decline in nickel from the month of January to December. Meanwhile, copper has rose slightly and zinc remains the same
To begin with, it is evident that copper has been reduced from 6% in January to -3% in July and has made up to 1% in December. In contrast, zinc has slightly declined to -1% in the month of May and has appeared almost in the same position which was before in January. Similarly copper was at 1% in the month of January and slightly escalated to 3% after one month which was then reduced to -1% June and came up to the same position which was before. All of the three metals have been in the same position between 1% to 2% in the end of the year
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, but the analysis is inconsistent and contains factual inaccuracies. For example, you state that copper 'has rose slightly' and 'remains the same' in the overview, which contradicts the data showing significant fluctuations. Furthermore, the description of the trends is confusing; you mention copper twice with conflicting descriptions, and the claim that all three metals ended at 1% to 2% is not clearly supported by the visual data. To improve, ensure you carefully track the specific lines for each metal and avoid contradictory statements. The overview should highlight the most significant trends, such as the overall downward trajectory of nickel compared to the volatility of the other two.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression of ideas is hindered by confusing sentence structures and unclear referencing. For instance, the phrase 'which was before in January' is awkward and makes the comparison difficult to follow. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or misused, such as the repetitive use of 'in the month of' and 'in the same position'. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each sentence clearly relates to the previous one to create a smoother flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic verbs like 'reduced', 'declined', and 'escalated', and there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'made up to 1%' and 'appeared almost in the same position'. These choices make the description of the data less professional. To improve, incorporate more specific terminology related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'plummeted', or 'stabilised'. Additionally, avoid repeating the same phrases, as this limits the range of your lexical expression.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'copper has rose' (incorrect tense/participle), 'which was before in January' (awkward syntax), and 'All of the three metals have been in the same position' (unnatural phrasing). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing full stops at the end of sentences. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of present perfect versus past simple tenses. Proofreading for basic sentence structure errors will significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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