Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-22

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 average monthly variation in the prices of three metals in 2014.

It is clear that the figure for Zinc was the lowest in the starting of the year but became the highest at the end of the year, while Nickel went down from the highest to the lowest over the period.

Regarding Nickel, the percenteage dropped from around 6% to approximately 1% in March, then again decreased to -3% in June. Ater that, it saw a slight increase in next month and remained stable up to September. At the end of the year, it reached to around 1%. When it comes for Zinc, the figure experienced several fluctuations overtime. The figure for Zinc increased slightly in February, before decreasing to approximately -1% in June. Then it saw a slight increase but came again the June position in October.Then, it experienced a steep increased from nearly -1% to around 2% at the end of the year.

The figure for Copper also experienced a slight fluctuation overtime. It started with around 2% and became approximately 1.5% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph and provided a clear overview. You selected key data points for all three metals, which is essential for Task 1. However, the description of the trends is sometimes imprecise. For example, stating that Zinc 'came again the June position in October' is confusing and lacks clarity. Additionally, while you mention the start and end points, more detailed comparisons between the metals at specific intervals would strengthen the response. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with precision and that the comparison between the three metals is more integrated throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'When it comes for', and 'After that' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or unnatural, such as 'When it comes for Zinc'. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the progression of ideas within the paragraphs could be smoother. Ensure that you use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect sentences more fluidly, rather than relying on repetitive structures to start your sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuations', 'steep', and 'remained stable'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'in the starting of the year' (should be 'at the start of the year') and 'came again the June position' (which is non-standard). There is also a spelling error: 'percenteage'. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends and ensure that your collocations are natural. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs would also help elevate the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. Examples include 'it reached to around 1%' (should be 'it reached around 1%'), 'experienced a steep increased' (should be 'experienced a steep increase'), and 'fluctuation overtime' (should be 'over time'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do indicate a need for more careful proofreading. To achieve a higher band, aim for greater accuracy in verb forms and prepositions, and try to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence structures with fewer errors.

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

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