Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-29
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 below illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.
Overall, the price of nickel accounted to decline gradually, and while the prices of copper and zinc was remained the same during the whole year. The percentage of nickel grew slightly after a continous decrease.
In detali, the price of nickel was reduced from 6% to 1% from january to march. After that, it was fell slighty from 1% to -3% betwen march and july. Furthermore, its price percentage grown up slowly at -1% and then remained stable for three months. Although its percentage was decline again, but it later soard and reached at 1% in november and december.
On the other hand, the price percentage of zinc was increased firslty at 3% from january to feburary and then later there was a gradual decline in its price from 3% to -1%. After that, it remained constant for four months and then its percentage rose from 1% to 2%. Although there was a constant decline in the ratio of copper from 2% to -1% in between january and july then its percentage rose at 1% and remained constant through out the whole year.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends. However, the overview is inaccurate; you state that copper and zinc 'remained the same' throughout the year, which contradicts the data showing fluctuations. Furthermore, the description of the trends is sometimes confusing due to inaccurate reporting of the figures (e.g., describing a decline when the graph shows a rise). To improve, ensure your overview captures the most significant trends rather than minor fluctuations, and double-check that your descriptions of the data points align precisely with the visual information provided in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'In detail', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, the progression of ideas is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track which metal is being discussed at certain points. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus to improve the overall flow of your argument.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'gradually', 'remained constant', and 'fluctuations'. However, there are several instances of incorrect word choice and collocation, such as 'accounted to decline', 'soard' (spelling error), and 'price percentage'. These errors occasionally make the text feel unnatural. To improve, focus on learning the correct collocations for describing trends, such as 'prices experienced a decline' rather than 'accounted to decline'. Additionally, pay closer attention to spelling, as errors like 'in detali', 'firslty', and 'feburary' detract from the professional quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('prices of copper and zinc was remained') and incorrect verb tenses or forms ('its price percentage grown up', 'its percentage was decline'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally impede the clarity of the information. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive and active voice when describing data. Proofreading your work for these specific types of errors before finishing will help you achieve a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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