Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graphs illustrate the changes in the prices of three metals monthly in 2014.
Overall, it is clear that all the metals experienced a flucuated states, with a noticeable difference between Zinc prices which started to grow in the first month, unlike the other two metals experiencing drop in proportions during the same period.
According to what is shown, Copper started with 2% in January and decreased to almost 0% in May and June, the proportion grew again till December when the number reached nearly 2%.
As for Nickel, the prices witnessed a huge drop from 6% in the first month to -3 in June, the number showed volatility until remained stable at 1% in November and December.
Zinc had a different experience from the other metals, unlike usual its price grew during a month and dropped for the next 4 months, the percentage alternated until the final month when it became 2%
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 all three metals and provides an overview, though the overview is slightly vague. You successfully identify the main trends, such as the volatility of Nickel and the distinct pattern of Zinc. However, the data reporting is occasionally imprecise; for instance, stating Copper 'started with 2%' is accurate, but describing the fluctuations as 'almost 0%' or 'nearly 2%' lacks the precision expected for a Band 7+ response. To improve, ensure you explicitly compare the metals more effectively rather than just describing them in isolation. You have identified the key features, but the analysis could be more analytical by highlighting the points of intersection or the most significant peaks and troughs more clearly.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for each metal. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'According to what is shown' and 'As for' are functional but repetitive. The transition between sentences within paragraphs could be smoother to improve the flow of information. While the paragraphing is appropriate, the progression of ideas feels a bit list-like rather than a cohesive summary of the data. Increasing the variety of linking words and ensuring better referencing between sentences would help elevate the score in this criterion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'volatility', 'fluctuated', and 'proportions'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'flucuated states' (should be 'fluctuating state' or simply 'fluctuations') and 'drop in proportions' (which is slightly awkward in this context). Additionally, there are minor spelling errors like 'flucuated'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'experienced a downward trend' or 'remained relatively stable', and ensure that your word choices are consistently natural and accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For example, 'unlike the other two metals experiencing drop' should be 'unlike the other two metals which experienced a drop'. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrasing, such as 'in the first month' versus 'during a month'. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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