Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph compares the percentage of monthly change in price of three different metals in 2014.

Overall, all the metals price fluctuated over the period. It is also noticeable that the figure for nickel price experienced the highest fluctuation, while the price of copper recorded moderate change over the year.

In terms of nickel price, it stood at almost 6% at the beginning of 2014, which was higher figure than the other metals on this month. But, it declined dramatically to -3%, after the six month, which was the lowest figure in the chart. However, it saw an upward trend with some fluctuation on the following months, and stood at 1%, on December.

For the remaining figures, the price of copper stood at 2% on January, whereas the figure for zinc price was 1% on this month. After the six month, the price of zinc recorded more decline than the price of copper. The figures were -1% and approximately -0.5%, respectively, on June. But, for the following months, the rate of price change of zinc rose significantly compare to the copper price.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for the three metals. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with relevant data. However, to reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise. For instance, stating 'higher figure than the other metals on this month' is slightly vague; specifying that it was the highest of the three would be more accurate. Additionally, ensure that the data points are described with absolute clarity, as some descriptions of the 'six month' (June) could be more explicitly linked to the specific values shown on the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In terms of,' 'However,' and 'For the remaining figures' to guide the reader. While the progression is generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The use of referencing (e.g., 'the remaining figures') is effective, but ensure that the connection between sentences remains smooth throughout. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the analysis of nickel from the other two metals, which helps the reader follow your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information accurately, using terms like 'fluctuated,' 'declined dramatically,' and 'upward trend.' There are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'the figure for nickel price' (better as 'the price of nickel') and 'on this month' (better as 'in this month'). While you successfully use some less common vocabulary, there is room to increase the precision of your reporting verbs and nouns to achieve a more sophisticated tone. The vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'it declined dramatically to -3%, after the six month, which was the lowest figure in the chart.' While your meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the figure for nickel price') and prepositions ('on this month' instead of 'in this month'). Punctuation is generally functional, though there are some unnecessary commas, such as after '1%'. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles when referring to specific data points.

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