Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-18
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)
This graph compares the average monthly prices of copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014.
Overall, the nickel prices in January are the highest; with the passage of time, they decrease and in June the nickel price is the lowest among all.
The common thing is all three metals are at their lowest price in the first half, but copper from January to February the prices of copper rise up, and after that it starts decreasing. In the second half the prices started rised up from June to July.
As we see in the graph from July to September, there is no fluctuation in the price and from september to october the prices again fall a bit and after that it gradually rising up
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement. While you identify some trends, the analysis is incomplete and lacks a clear overview of the data. You mention that all metals are at their lowest in the first half, but the graph shows significant variation that is not fully explored. Furthermore, the description of the trends is somewhat confusing, particularly regarding the fluctuations of copper and the general movement of prices in the second half. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary of the main features and trends, and always aim to meet the minimum length requirement to allow for full development of your points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay lacks a clear structure, with only one paragraph provided. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the trends. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Overall' and 'As we see', the transitions between sentences are often mechanical or unclear. For instance, the jump between describing nickel and copper is abrupt. To improve, organize your response into distinct paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the data logically. Using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring each sentence flows naturally from the previous one will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'prices of copper rise up' and 'prices started rised up' are basic and contain errors. You rely on simple descriptive language, such as 'highest' and 'lowest', without attempting more sophisticated vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuate', 'peak', or 'decline'. To achieve a higher band score, try to incorporate more precise terminology for describing data, such as 'significant increase', 'marginal decrease', or 'remained stable'. Additionally, ensure you use correct collocations to avoid awkward phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are several grammatical errors that hinder the clarity of your writing. For example, 'the nickel prices in January are the highest; with the passage of time, they decrease' contains an unnecessary semicolon usage, and 'prices started rised up' is grammatically incorrect. You struggle with verb tenses and consistency, often mixing present and past forms. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, lacking the complexity required for higher bands. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and practicing the correct use of past tense verbs when describing data from a specific year like 2014.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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