Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-17
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 linear graph illustrates the changes in the price of copper nickel and zinc comparing with previous months in 2014.
Considering from an overall perspective, it can be apparently observed that all three metal price were fluctuating throughout the period. However, price of zinc was highest in the starting month.
To begin with, nickel hold 6% price in the month of January before showing a drastic fall to -3% in June. However, it showed a gradual increase to -1% in next month and remained constant for next three months and than after showing a small decline it climbed to 1% in the final month.
Furthermore, zinc was noticed at 1% in January which than rose 3% in second month before witnessing a gradual declination and fall to -1% in June. Afterwards, the price got rise and again came to -1% which further showed a higher rise and stood at 2% in the final month and became the highest price. In contrast, copper price was 2% in the starting month. However, copper price was quite fluctuating and it drop to 0.5% in May and June and again showing quite fluctuation in price it stood at 1.5% in December with second position.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a summary of the main features, but it lacks a clear, analytical overview. While you mention that prices were 'fluctuating', you fail to highlight the most significant trends or the overall comparative performance of the metals. The description of the data is somewhat mechanical, focusing on listing individual monthly changes rather than synthesizing the information. To improve, ensure you group data points logically to show trends (e.g., periods of decline versus growth) rather than describing each month chronologically, which makes the report feel like a list rather than a summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive or slightly unnatural, such as the frequent use of 'However' and 'Furthermore'. The progression of ideas is clear, but the transition between sentences could be smoother. Some referencing is slightly confusing, particularly when describing the fluctuations of the three metals. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the logical flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'drastic fall', 'small decline', and 'higher rise'. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'nickel hold 6% price' and 'the price got rise'. To achieve a higher score, try to use more sophisticated terminology related to data trends, such as 'significant downturn', 'marginal increase', or 'remained relatively stable'. Expanding your range of verbs and adjectives will help you describe the graph more accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'all three metal price were fluctuating' (subject-verb agreement), 'than after showing' (incorrect usage of 'than' instead of 'then'), and 'which than rose' (incorrect spelling). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of time-related conjunctions will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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