Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The graph shows the average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel and zinc (2014). The percentage change in price compared with pervious month is shown on the y-axis and the months are shown on the x-axis. Moreover, pictures shows the symbols for copper, nickel and zinc. Starting with the nickel, the percentage was 6 in January which was decreased to 4% in February and it further more decreased to 1% in march but in March and April it stayed at 1%. However in May it was between 0-1% most precisely at 0.5%, but in June it gradually decreased to -3% but then eventually it increased to -1% in July, August and September later on again causing a decrease to -2% in October and then it increased up to 1% in both November and December. Coming towards Zinc now, In January it started at 1% which was later increased to 3% in February and then decreased to -1% by June it little bit got higher by -0.5% and remained same till September but then decreased to -1% in October. However, there was an increase in the percentage and it got somewhere between 1-2% by November and then 2% in December. Lastly, copper started at 2% in January which decreased to 1% in February which further decreased to 0.5% by March and remained same in April. Then it got decreased up to -0.5% and remained same both in May and June but later on got increased to 1% in July and remained same till September but again got decreased by 0.5% in October and November and lastly got a bit higher between 1-2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, but the response lacks a clear overview. A Band 7 response requires a clear summary of the main trends or differences between the metals. Currently, you have provided a very detailed, month-by-month description of each metal, which makes it difficult for the reader to grasp the 'big picture'. To improve, group the data by trends (e.g., metals that showed volatility versus those that remained relatively stable) rather than listing every single fluctuation. This would allow for better comparison and a more analytical approach.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized by metal, which is a logical approach. However, the paragraphing is problematic; the entire body of the report is contained in one massive block of text. This makes the information dense and difficult to follow. You should use separate paragraphs for each metal or for different trends to improve readability. Additionally, while you use some cohesive devices like 'However' and 'Lastly', the flow is somewhat mechanical. Using a wider variety of linking phrases to compare the metals (e.g., 'In contrast to nickel, zinc showed...') would improve the logical progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'gradually decreased' and 'increased up to'. However, there is a tendency to repeat the same structures and basic verbs. Phrases like 'it little bit got higher' are informal and imprecise. To reach a higher band, aim for more sophisticated collocations and precise reporting verbs. For example, instead of saying 'it got decreased', use 'experienced a decline' or 'witnessed a downward trend'. Avoid informal phrasing like 'little bit' in an academic context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

Your writing contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. For instance, you often use 'it' as a subject repeatedly, and there are issues with tense consistency and article usage (e.g., 'in march' should be 'in March'). Some sentences are run-on, such as 'Coming towards Zinc now, In January it started...'. To improve, focus on varying your sentence structure and ensuring correct capitalization and subject-verb agreement. Reducing the number of minor errors will significantly improve the clarity of your report.

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

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