Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-26

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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the average month-to-month percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc during 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced the greatest fluctuations, with a sharp rise at the beginning of the year and the lowest percentage in the middle of the year. By contrast, zinc had the lowest percentage at the beginning of the year but increased significantly towards the end of the year.

At the beginning of the year, nickel recorded the highest monthly increase of approximately 6% in January, before falling to -5% in February and then declining dramatically to 1% in March. Its price then dropped to about -3%, the lowest figure on the chart. It recovered slightly from July to November, then reached 1% again in November and 1% in December.

On the other hand, copper began at 2% in January, then decreased dramatically from January to May, from 2% to approximately -0.5%. From July to September, it followed a similar pattern but recovered to around 1%. It slipped marginally in October and finished the year at approximately 1–1.5%.

Zinc began with a 2% increase in January and rose to 3% in February. It then gradually fell to about 1% in May before decreasing to -1%. It remained just below 0% until October and finally recovered strongly towards the end of the year, reaching around 2% in December, the highest increase among the three metals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively covers the main features of the graph. You have successfully identified the key trends for all three metals and made relevant comparisons, such as noting that nickel had the greatest fluctuations and zinc finished with the highest increase. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the data. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, you describe nickel falling to 1% in March after being at -5% in February, which contradicts the visual data. Additionally, the description of copper's end-of-year value is slightly vague. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task well, providing a clear and logical summary of the provided information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear structure. Each paragraph focuses on a specific metal, which makes the information easy to follow. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'On the other hand', and 'before falling to' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is logical, moving from a general overview to specific details for each metal. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the use of referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the reader can easily track the comparisons being made between the different metals.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases such as 'greatest fluctuations', 'declining dramatically', and 'recovered strongly' are used effectively to describe the trends. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choice is generally precise. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it does not consistently reach the level of 'sophisticated' or 'skilful' required for higher bands. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, and the terminology related to data description is used accurately throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You demonstrate good control over grammar and punctuation, with the majority of sentences being error-free. There is a variety of structures used to describe changes, such as 'It remained just below 0% until October and finally recovered strongly'. While there are a few minor slips, such as the phrasing 'the lowest percentage in the middle of the year' (which could be more precisely stated as 'the lowest price point'), these do not impede communication. The grammatical accuracy is consistent, and the use of complex structures is generally successful.

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