Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-24

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 6.5)

The line graph compares the monthly data of average price changes of 3 different metals, which are copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. At a glance, monthly prices of Nickel fluctuated the highest over the year as compared to other 2 metals.

To begin with, for Nickel, from January to March, the average price change figures fell significantly from 6% to 1%. After that the figures fluctuated a little till May, and in June they declined to -3%. Between July and September, the mean price change was constant at -1%, before dropping slightly to -2% in October. During the last 2 months, the average prices rose significantly to 1%. Furthermore, Zinc also followed the similar trend as that of Nickel from June to December, but its figures were in the range of -1% to 2% in 2014. However, average price change for Copper was relatively stable. The figures fluctuated around -0.5% to 2% from January to June. Afterwards the average change was nearly 1.5%.

Overall, Nickel experienced larger changes in its mean price over the year. However, Copper's price changes were relatively stable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph and provided a clear overview. You covered all three metals and made relevant comparisons, such as noting that Nickel was the most volatile while Copper remained relatively stable. However, the description of the data for Zinc is slightly underdeveloped; you mention it followed a similar trend to Nickel but do not provide enough specific data points to fully support this comparison. To improve, ensure that you select key data points (peaks and troughs) for all categories to provide a more comprehensive summary. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'After that', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the detailed analysis from the overview. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be more fluid. For instance, the transition between the detailed analysis of Nickel and the mention of Zinc could be smoother to better highlight the comparison. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'declined', 'constant', and 'stable'. You use these terms accurately in the context of the graph. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it is somewhat repetitive, and there is limited use of less common or more sophisticated lexical items. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' or 'decrease' and use more precise collocations when describing the degree of change, such as 'marginal fluctuation' or 'sharp contraction'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear and error-free, though there are minor slips, such as 'followed the similar trend as that of Nickel' (should be 'followed a similar trend to that of Nickel'). Punctuation is generally accurate, and your control of grammar does not impede communication. To improve, aim for a greater variety of complex structures, such as using participle clauses or more sophisticated relative clauses to combine information, which would demonstrate better control over grammatical range.

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

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