Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-16

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 line graph illustrates the average monthly change in the rates of Copper, Nickel and Zinc in 2014.

Overall, Nickel experienced both the highest and lowest change price during the period.while, Copper and Zinc fluctuated throughout the period.

Nickel started at 6% in January. There were declined gradually to 4% in February to 1% in March. It then remained unchanged at April. Furthermore, There were fell dramatically to just below 1% in May to -3% in June. In addition, its increased -1% in July. However, These were remained stable in September. It then decreased and recovering to 1% in December. In contrast, Copper and Zinc stood at about 2% and 1% in January. Copper decreased gradually to around 1% in june. Before increasing to 1% in July. It then remained unchanged at July to September. In addition, decreasing and recovering at just below 2% in December. Zinc rose at about 3% in February. Before decreasing

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarize the graph but fails to complete the task. The description of the data is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence ('Before decreasing'). Furthermore, the analysis of the trends is inconsistent and lacks clarity. While there is an attempt to identify main features, the reporting of specific data points is often inaccurate or confusing, such as the description of Nickel's fluctuations. To improve, ensure all data is fully described, avoid incomplete sentences, and provide a more accurate summary of the trends by grouping information logically rather than listing every minor movement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is disrupted by the incomplete nature of the final sentence. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In contrast' and 'Furthermore,' but they are sometimes used incorrectly or mechanically. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to the metals ('These were remained stable'). The progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of a proper conclusion and the abrupt ending, which makes the overall structure feel disjointed and unfinished.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'change price' instead of 'price change' and 'its increased' instead of 'it increased'. The use of 'recovering' is also imprecise in this context. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey basic meaning, the lack of precision and the recurring errors in word forms prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and ensuring correct word forms would significantly improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('There were declined', 'These were remained'), incorrect verb tenses, and sentence fragments. The attempt at complex structures is often faulty, leading to confusion. For example, 'There were fell dramatically' is grammatically incorrect. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically ensuring that subjects and verbs agree and that verb tenses are used consistently throughout the report.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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