Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The given infographic representation, which is in the form of line graph, presents the average monthly price fluctuations in three different metals – copper, nickel, and zinc, over the course of 2014.

Overall, the prices of all three metals experienced their peak in January and their nadir in June. Nickel commenced with the highest price but concluded with the lowest, whereas zinc began with the lowest price but finished with the highest. The price of copper fluctuated throughout the year.

To begin with, nickel witnessed a substantial increase of 6% in January, followed by a steep decline in the subsequent two months. It then stabilized for one month before plunging to a negative 3% in June, eventually closing the year with a 1% monthly price increase. Overall, nickel experienced a significant decline.

Copper and zinc commenced the year at 2% and 1% respectively. Both metals reached their lowest point in June and concluded the year at approximately 1.5% and 2% respectively. Notably, zinc exhibited the highest fluctuation in monthly prices.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, including the peak and nadir points. You provided a clear overview and made relevant comparisons between the three metals. However, the task requires a summary of the 'average monthly change', and your description of the data is slightly inaccurate in places. For example, you state that nickel 'concluded with the lowest' price, but the graph shows monthly percentage changes, not absolute prices. Additionally, the claim that zinc exhibited the highest fluctuation is not fully supported by the data, as nickel shows more extreme peaks and troughs. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data interpretation is precise and that you distinguish between price levels and price changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'whereas', and 'notably' to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different metals and their trends. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from a general summary to specific details. To improve, ensure that the transition between sentences is smoother; some sentences feel slightly disconnected, and the referencing of the data could be more fluid to avoid a mechanical feel.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'infographic representation', 'fluctuations', 'nadir', and 'stabilized' appropriately. This shows an awareness of style suitable for an academic report. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data trends, such as 'marginal increase' or 'volatile performance', rather than relying on general descriptors. Your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly and with some precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the opening complex sentence and the use of participial phrases like 'eventually closing the year'. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is generally good. There are no major grammatical errors that cause confusion. To achieve a higher band, aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or more sophisticated conditional or concessive clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing.

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

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