Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The graph below demonstrates the average monthly alter in the amounts of three metals during 2014.
From the graphical representation, the highest and lowest price reached throughout the months was nickel. Overall, all metal prices flatulated in each month. nickel was at its peak price in the beginning, but it devasted rapidly reaching negative 3 in June. Then after, it rose up and plummet in three months just above the copper and zinc in same patters. Additionally, after that it again inclines as same as nickel reaching 1 in October. Furthermore, during the fiscal months nickel was below the price of nickel and zinc. At the initial point both copper and zinc were at the lowest. After the month they declines and again increases with similar footprints. Nonetheless, in the end they claimed above the nickel price reaching 2 on December.
Overall, the trends in the graph present that nickel price had been dropped out heavily compared to the other metals during 2014.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to address the task by describing the trends of three metals. However, the analysis is significantly hampered by inaccurate reporting of the data. For instance, the student claims nickel reached 'negative 3' and later '1', which does not align with the provided graph. Furthermore, the description of the trends is confusing and contradictory, such as stating 'nickel was below the price of nickel and zinc'. The main features are not clearly identified or compared effectively. The response lacks a clear overview of the overall trends, as the summary provided is vague and inaccurate. To improve, focus on accurately reading the data points and grouping information logically to highlight key differences and similarities between the metals.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression of ideas is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as 'Then after' and 'Additionally, after that'. Referencing is frequently unclear, particularly when comparing the metals, which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison. The transition between sentences is often abrupt, and the lack of clear signposting makes the overall structure feel disjointed. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly enhance the flow and readability of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary range is limited and often used incorrectly. There are several instances of word-choice errors that impede clarity, such as 'flatulated' (likely intended 'fluctuated'), 'devasted' (likely intended 'dropped' or 'declined'), and 'claimed' (likely intended 'climbed'). The student struggles to use precise terminology for describing trends, relying on repetitive or inaccurate descriptors. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on learning specific collocations for describing graphs, such as 'fluctuated significantly', 'reached a peak of', or 'experienced a sharp decline', and ensure that words are used in their correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally cause confusion. There are issues with verb tense consistency, such as 'nickel was at its peak... but it devasted' and 'they declines and again increases'. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often marred by errors in syntax and word order. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with capitalization and sentence boundaries. To improve, the student should focus on basic subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing past data, and practice constructing more varied sentence structures to demonstrate better control over English grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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