Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-23

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 depicts the average monthly variations in the prices of three metals throughout 2014.

Overall, it is clear that in January, the proportion of metal nickel was at its peak compared to other two metals but there was a sharp decline every month reaching the lowest price in June. The price proportion of Zinc and copper fluctuated.

In January the price proportion of Nickel was at 6% reaching its highest point comparatively but has seen a sharp decline every month until June with a proportion of -3% as its lowest point in June. Following this the price remained steady and rose to 1% and continued until the end of the year.

Unlike Nickel, Zinc and Copper prices fluctuated every month. Copper started at the rate of 2% in January and the price kept declining month after month hitting its lowest point below 0%in June. Since then the price remained relatively stable in the second half the year. Zinc hit its highest point at 3% in February after which the prices were inconsistent and only rose to maximum 2% rest of the year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview and identifies key trends for the three metals. You successfully highlight the peak and decline of nickel, as well as the fluctuating nature of copper and zinc. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, describing the price of nickel as a 'proportion' is inaccurate; the graph shows percentage change. Additionally, some data points are vague, such as 'maximum 2% rest of the year' for zinc, which could be more precisely described by referencing specific months or the overall trend. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are accurately labeled and that comparisons between the metals are more explicitly drawn throughout the text.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the general trend to specific details. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Unlike Nickel' and 'Following this', which help guide the reader. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is slightly abrupt. Furthermore, the use of referencing could be improved; for example, 'other two metals' is slightly imprecise. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow, though the flow could be smoother with more varied linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'variations', 'fluctuated', and 'inconsistent'. However, there is a recurring issue with word choice, specifically the repeated use of 'proportion' to describe price changes, which is technically incorrect in this context. There are also minor inaccuracies in collocation, such as 'at the rate of 2%'. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology related to data analysis, such as 'percentage change', 'fluctuation', or 'volatility'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'compared to other two metals' (missing 'the') and 'in the second half the year' (missing 'of'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are minor issues with spacing and missing articles. The sentence structures are somewhat repetitive, often starting with the subject followed by the verb. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice or subordinate clauses, and pay closer attention to small grammatical details like articles and prepositions.

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

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