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 percentage of monthly price change of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.
Overall, at the beginning of the year nickel price was the highest and at the end of the year it fell to the lowest. Even though there were some fluctuations, copper and zinc price was steady.
In January, copper and zinc price change difference was only 1% and zinc price increased by 3% in February and fell to same price as in January in the May. It continued to decline to the lowest point in the June and increased by around 0.5% and stay steady for next three months at the end price increased by 2%. On the other hand, copper price continued to decline until May and stay steady for two months. After this copper price showed steady increased until the end.
Meanwhile, nickel price was the highest (6%) at the beginning and dramatically declined until March and continued change around 1% till may and fell to -3% in the June. by July it increased and stay steady untill price fell again in October. In November price rose significantly and continued same to the end.
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
You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, such as the initial high point for nickel and the general trends for all three metals. However, the response lacks precision in reporting data points. For example, stating 'copper and zinc price change difference was only 1%' is vague without referencing the specific months or values. Furthermore, the description of the trends is sometimes confusing, such as 'continued change around 1% till may', which does not clearly describe the movement. To improve, ensure you select key data points (e.g., specific percentages in specific months) to support your summary, rather than relying on general descriptions of movement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile', 'On the other hand', and 'After this', which provide a basic structure. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and some transitions are slightly awkward, such as 'continued same to the end'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track which metal is being discussed in certain sentences. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear subjects for each sentence will enhance the overall coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'dramatically', and 'significantly'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'stay steady for next three months' (should be 'remained steady') and 'at the end price increased' (should be 'at the end of the period'). There is also a tendency to repeat basic verbs like 'increased' and 'fell'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise synonyms and ensure that your collocations are natural and grammatically correct in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally impede clarity. For instance, there are issues with article usage ('in the June', 'at the end price'), subject-verb agreement, and tense consistency. Some sentences are run-on or lack necessary prepositions, such as 'continued change around 1%'. While these errors do not completely prevent the reader from understanding the main points, they are frequent enough to limit the score. Focusing on proofreading for articles and consistent verb tenses will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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