Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-27
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 chart illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of Copper, Nickel and Zinc throughout 2014.
Overall, the average monthly percentage changes in the prices of copper and nickel showed downward trends, whereas zinc experienced an upward trend.
According to the chart, the figure for Nickel started at 6% in January, compared to 2% of Copper. As for Nickel declined dramatically to -3% in June, after that the data increased gradually to -1% in July. After which the data remained stable at -1% from July to September, then the figure rose slightly to 1% in December. By contrast, copper fluctuated moderately throughout the year and finished at approximately 1% in December.
In contrast, the percentage of Zinc began at 1% in January. The figure then rose gradually to 3% in February. Then the figure fall gradually to -1% in October, and finally the data surged to 2% in December.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response successfully identifies the main features of the graph and provides a clear overview. You have selected key data points to support your description, such as the starting and ending percentages for each metal. However, the analysis is slightly imbalanced; the description of Nickel is quite detailed, while the trends for Copper and Zinc are described more briefly. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons between the three metals are more explicit throughout the body paragraphs rather than just listing the data for each metal separately. Overall, the task is addressed well, and the main trends are clearly communicated.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'In contrast', and 'After which' to link ideas. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'As for Nickel declined dramatically' (which is grammatically incorrect) and 'After which the data remained stable'. The paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of information from the general overview to the specific details of each metal. Improving the variety and natural flow of your linking phrases would enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'surged', and 'dramatically'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the figure for Nickel started at 6%' (it is more precise to say 'the price change for Nickel') and 'the data increased' (when referring to a percentage change). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and descriptive adjectives would help elevate your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses 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, 'As for Nickel declined dramatically' is a sentence fragment/incorrect structure, and 'Then the figure fall gradually' contains a tense error ('fell'). Additionally, there are some punctuation and preposition issues, such as 'compared to 2% of Copper' (should be 'compared to 2% for Copper'). The majority of your sentences are understandable, but the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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