Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-28

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 average monthly change in prices of three different metals namely copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, the average monthly price change for zinc showed an upward trend, while that for copper and nickel experienced a downward tend in that year.

The price of zinc in January was only 1%. It rose sharply to 3 percent in February. However, this figure experienced a dramatic decline to -1% in July before showing some fluctuation between -1 percent and around 0.5% during 5 months. After that , it further increased gradually to just under 2% , hitting 2% in December.

In contrast, the prices of nickel and copper were at 6% and 2% at the beginning of the year. The figure for nickel showed a dramatic decrease to -3% in June, being lower than zinc's figure by approximately 2%. Then, it rose sharply to 1% before showing stable during last two months. Moreover, the price of copper showed some fluctuations before reaching 1% in July. Following this, this figure remained stable during July to October before securing second posti in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and selects key features to illustrate the data. You successfully identified the upward trend for zinc and the downward trends for copper and nickel. However, the description of the data is occasionally imprecise. For example, stating that nickel 'showed stable during last two months' is vague, and the reference to copper 'securing second posti' is unclear as the graph does not explicitly rank them in that manner. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points mentioned are clearly supported by the graph and avoid vague descriptions of trends. Overall, the main features are adequately covered.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast,' 'However,' and 'Following this' to link ideas effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the trends of the different metals. While the flow is generally good, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with punctuation, such as the space before the comma in 'After that ,'. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring consistent punctuation would enhance the overall coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation,' 'dramatic decline,' and 'upward trend' correctly. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'posti' instead of 'position,' and some awkward phrasing, such as 'showed stable.' To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data interpretation, such as 'remained relatively stable' or 'experienced a marginal increase.' The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'namely copper, nickel and zinc' (missing commas), 'showed stable' (should be 'remained stable'), and 'during July to October' (should be 'from July to October'). Additionally, there are minor errors with articles and prepositions. Despite these errors, the meaning is never obscured, and the reader can follow the information easily. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing time periods and data ranges.

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

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