Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-20
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 given line graph indicates the average monthly alteration in the prices of three metals in the year 2014.
Overall, all the three categories undergo drastic changes throughout the year.However, nickel experienced higher proportion of price changes in the start of year and significant drop in the middle of year.Although, at the end of year there was more fluctuation in the revenue of zinc.Solely copper is the metal which did not face any negative fluctuation in the price changes from January to December.
Categorically speaking, there was 6% changes in the price of nickel in January and minus 3 %in June and 1% in the December.In comparison ,Copper changes in price started from 2% in January,about 1.5%in June and roughly 1.8%in December.
Next metal we talk about is zinc , it's change in price recorded 1%in January, minus 1%in June and 2% in December which is higher than all other metals.
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 covers the main features of the graph, identifying trends for all three metals. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear, cohesive overview. While you mention that all categories undergo 'drastic changes,' the description of specific data points is occasionally inaccurate or confusing, such as the claim that zinc's price change in December was 'higher than all other metals' without sufficient comparative context. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the volatility of nickel versus the relative stability of copper) rather than just listing individual monthly figures, which can lead to a disjointed report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the flow between sentences is often mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes awkward, such as 'Categorically speaking' and 'Next metal we talk about is zinc,' which sound informal and conversational rather than academic. Referencing is occasionally unclear, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Conversely,' 'Furthermore') to connect ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, logical focus.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'drastic changes' and 'higher proportion.' There are also some issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'alteration in the prices' (fluctuation is more appropriate) and 'revenue of zinc' (the graph tracks price changes, not revenue). To improve, incorporate more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'volatility,' 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' or 'peaked,' and ensure that your terminology accurately reflects the data presented in the graph.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'in start of year'), incorrect preposition usage, and inconsistent spacing after punctuation marks. Some sentences are grammatically incomplete or awkward, such as 'Solely copper is the metal which did not face any negative fluctuation.' While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your complex sentences are constructed accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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