Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-21

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 change to average price percentage of three metals in 2014.

At a glance, it is clear that all three metals experienced a fluctuation over the period. However, nickel prices fall dramatically by the end of the timeframe.

Looking at the data in detail, In January, nickel price rose to 6% comparing to the previous month, whereas zinc and copper price increased by 1% and 2%, respectively. Price of zinc fluctuated and reached at 3% in February but fell again to -1% in June. After that, zinc price showed a steady movement, but ultimately rose at 2% at the end.

Other metals, copper price experienced a gradual decrease till June, then increased marginally but finished at less than 2%, which is lower than the price of January. Conversely, nickel faced a dramatic price drop till June. The price dropped at -3% in June, then some recovery happed after June and ultimately rose to 1% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for all three metals. You successfully identified the key fluctuations and provided comparative data for January and June. However, the analysis is somewhat uneven; while you mention the start and end points, the description of the middle period for copper and nickel is slightly underdeveloped. To reach a higher band, ensure that all significant turning points are clearly highlighted and that comparisons are made more consistently throughout the report rather than focusing on each metal in isolation. Overall, the main features are clearly presented, and the overview provides a sufficient summary of the general trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'conversely', and 'after that' to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel slightly abrupt. For instance, the transition into the final paragraph could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the progression of ideas within paragraphs is more seamless and less reliant on simple sequential markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'dramatically', 'marginally', and 'recovery'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'reached at 3%' (should be 'reached 3%') and 'some recovery happed' (should be 'occurred' or 'took place'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and adverbs of degree would help elevate the quality of your descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'nickel prices fall' (tense inconsistency, should be 'fell'), 'comparing to' (should be 'compared to'), and 'copper price experienced' (missing article 'The'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are minor issues with sentence construction. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and article usage. Increasing the frequency of error-free complex sentences will help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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