Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-15

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 graph shows the average monthly change in the prices of Copper, Zinc and Nickel during 2014. Starting with a steady dip down for Copper and Nickel from January till March, where they hold steady till April. On other hand, ZInc prices rise high in January reaching its highest point in February where it takes a dip down till June, holding stable for next three months and further rising till year end with overall rise of 2%. Nickel takes the most hit with a price drop of -3% in June, then rising to -1% holding stable for next three months similar to Zinc, where it takes a further price drop of -0% and then it rises significntly to 1% during year end, which is still a price drop of 0.1% from where it started in the start of year. Copper however holds the most stable threshold of all three, closing at only .5% drop at year end.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, such as the overall trends and the final year-end figures. However, the response lacks a clear overview paragraph, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1. While you mention specific data points, the description of the trends is sometimes confusing, particularly regarding the fluctuations of Nickel. To improve, ensure you group the data logically—perhaps by comparing the metals that showed similar patterns—rather than listing them chronologically in a way that obscures the overall comparison. The summary of the 'main features' needs to be more distinct from the detailed data reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is written as a single paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. IELTS Academic Task 1 requires clear paragraphing to separate the introduction/overview from the body paragraphs. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Starting with' and 'On other hand', the flow is somewhat mechanical. The progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of structural breaks, making the transition between the three metals feel cluttered. Using clear paragraph breaks and more varied linking phrases would significantly improve the logical flow and readability of your report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information, using terms like 'stable', 'threshold', and 'significantly'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and spelling, such as 'significntly' and the confusing phrasing 'takes a further price drop of -0%'. Additionally, the phrase 'takes the most hit' is informal and not suitable for an academic report. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure your spelling is accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

Your writing shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'ZInc prices rise high' should be 'Zinc prices rose sharply', and 'in the start of year' should be 'at the start of the year'. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and inconsistent tense usage. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic tense consistency and preposition usage.

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