Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19
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 line graph illustrates the information about the changes of costs of Copper, nickel and zinc in the percentage form january to december of 2014.
In the starting of year, Nickel prices accounted for 8% which was high peak at in january. Rest of the two metals made up such as Copper and zinc made up 2% and 1% respectively. zinc prices showed highest percentage of its all monthly prices in February which as 3%. In contrast, Nickel represented 7% prices plummeted and showed downward trend till June.
In june, Copper and zinc prices also represented down fall which was less almost similar. In, july, August and September nickel showed stady state. All metal prices were reached at almost similar bracket of prices which was 1-2% in december.
Overall, Nickel's prices were showcased downward trend. Copper represented maintained their costs almost similar at 6 in january and december while, zinc's prices were slightly increased in 2014.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, but the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. While you identify the starting points and some trends, the description of the data is occasionally inaccurate or confusing, such as the claim that copper prices were maintained at '6' in January and December, which is not supported by the graph. The overview is present but lacks clarity, and some data points are misread or poorly explained. To improve, ensure you focus on the most significant trends and peaks rather than listing every minor fluctuation, and double-check that your data points accurately reflect the visual information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, phrases like 'In the starting of year' and 'Rest of the two metals made up such as' are awkward and disrupt the flow of information. The transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the logical progression of ideas is hindered by repetitive phrasing and unclear referencing. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'high peak' and 'downward trend', and there are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'represented down fall' and 'stady state'. Additionally, there are minor errors in word formation and collocation that occasionally make the text sound unnatural. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a marginal decline', and focus on using these terms in their correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include incorrect preposition usage ('at in january'), missing articles ('in june'), and subject-verb agreement errors ('nickel showed stady state'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to be distracting. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the use of articles and prepositions, and proofread your work to catch common slips in tense consistency and pluralisation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.