Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates the percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc, compared with the previous month during 2014.

Overall, the price of nickel has highly fluctuated in comparison with the other two metals. However, at the end of year, the cost of copper has decreased slightly from its initial value, whereas only the price of zinc has shown some increment.

For nickel, in the month of January, the percentage change in the price was 6%, which declined significantly and reached its lowest point in June, at -3%. After plummeting, the figure rose again and reached 1% in November and remained same for the next month.

For copper and zinc, initially, the percentage change in price was 2% and 1%, which decreased to -0.5% and -1% in June. Nevertheless, the price escalated for the next one month, at 1% and -0.5% and remained stable for another two month, till September. The graph again showed some signs of improvements and at the end of year, the percentage variation ended to the value of 1.5% and 2% respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and successfully identifies key features such as the high volatility of nickel and the end-of-year performance of copper and zinc. You have selected relevant data points to support your descriptions. However, there is a slight inaccuracy in the interpretation of the graph: you state that copper decreased from its initial value, but the graph shows it ending higher than it started. Additionally, the description of the 'stable' period for copper and zinc is slightly imprecise regarding the timeline. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are interpreted with absolute precision and that the overview clearly captures the overall trajectory of all three metals.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the different metals. Cohesive devices such as 'however', 'nevertheless', and 'whereas' are used effectively to signal contrasts. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. To improve, ensure that referencing is always clear; for example, in the final sentence, 'respectively' is used, but the connection to the specific values could be smoother to avoid any ambiguity regarding which metal corresponds to which percentage.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'highly fluctuated', 'plummeting', and 'escalated' are used appropriately to describe the trends. There are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'shown some increment' (a rise/increase would be more natural) and 'remained same' (remained the same). While these errors do not impede communication, using more precise terminology for statistical changes would enhance the quality of your writing and help you reach a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'remained stable for another two month' (should be 'months') and 'percentage variation ended to the value of' (ended at). Additionally, 'the price of nickel has highly fluctuated' is slightly awkward; 'has fluctuated significantly' would be more natural. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the control of grammar is generally good. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and preposition usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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