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 illustrates the information regarding the average monthly change in prices of three metals such as Copper, Nickel and Zinc in twelve month of 2014.

Overall, it is evident from the graph that price of Nickel represnted the most change as compared to the Copper which showed the least while the price of zinc remained almost stable throughout the given period.

Furthermore, it is clear from the given graph that X- axis represents month while Y-axis shows percentage change in price compared with the previous month. For Nickel, percentage of price dropped dramatically from 6% to 1% in March then remained almost stable for next two months. After this, suddenly declined from around 0.5% to negative 3% less than previous month before which is increased randomly up to 1% in December. Similarly, for Zinc, percentage of price rose from 1% to 3% during February then declined steadily up to June after which showed a plateue for next 4 months up to October then climbed from 1% to nearly 2% in December.

Moreover, percentage of Copper price recorded almost stable trend from Janurary to December with minor fluctuations over the whole year.

In short, Nickel and Zinc are indicating fall in price at the first few months with marked valley in the middle and rise in the last months of 2014 while Copper is representing almost stable trend over the year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends for the three metals. You successfully highlighted the volatility of Nickel, the fluctuations of Zinc, and the relative stability of Copper. However, the description of the data is occasionally imprecise; for instance, stating that Nickel dropped from 6% to 1% in March is not fully supported by the visual data, and the description of the X and Y axes is unnecessary for an IELTS Task 1 response, as the examiner is already familiar with the graph. To improve, focus on grouping data more logically and ensuring that specific data points are accurately interpreted to support your comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Similarly', and 'Moreover' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between the description of the axes and the actual data analysis could be smoother. To reach a higher band, ensure that cohesive devices are used to connect ideas more naturally rather than just acting as signposts at the start of sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'dramatically', 'fluctuations', and 'stable'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'represnted', 'plateue', and 'Janurary', which are minor but noticeable. Additionally, some phrasing is slightly awkward, such as 'marked valley in the middle'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data trends, such as 'a period of stagnation' or 'a significant downward trend', and ensure careful proofreading to eliminate basic spelling mistakes that detract from the professional tone of your report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is generally effective. However, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'in twelve month of 2014' (should be 'months'), 'price of Nickel represnted' (missing article 'the'), and 'which is increased randomly' (incorrect passive voice usage). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles, as well as ensuring that your verb tenses remain consistent when describing past data.

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

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