Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly change in the price of Copper, Nickel and Zinc during 2014.

Overall, Nickel experienced the highest fluctuation throughout the whole year, while Zinc saw a less fluctuations, and the price of Copper remained comparatively stable in 2014.

At the beginning of the year Copper's price was at it's peak at 6%, before plummeting from 4% to 1% in February and March respectively. In April it's price remained stable before marginally fell to below of 1% in May, then steeply dropped to -3% in June, the sharply rose to -1% in July. In April and September the changes were levelled off at 1%, before falling to -2% in October. The its price rapidly surged to 1 in November and followed the same trajectory in last month of 2014.

The price of Copper was at 1% in January before climbing to 3% in February, before dropping steadily 2% in March, remained stable at 2% in April, and slightly dropped to less than 1% in May. In June it's price dramatically fell to 3%, before rising rapidly to -1% in July, then levelled of at 1% till September , before marginally slipped to -2% in October, and rocketed to 1% in November, and followed same trajectory.

Zinc started the year in January at 2%, before gradually fall to 1% in February, less one percent in March, and followed the same downward trends till june, before marginally rising to 1%, and stabilized till september before surging to near about 2% in the end of the year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, the description of copper's price in the third and fourth paragraphs is contradictory and confusing, as you describe the same metal twice with different figures. Additionally, the data points mentioned (e.g., 'plummeting from 4% to 1%') do not accurately reflect the visual information provided in the graph. While you attempt to make comparisons, the lack of precision in data interpretation prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that your summary of the data is factually consistent and clearly distinguishes between the three categories.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by repetitive and confusing reporting. While you use some cohesive devices like 'before', 'then', and 'while', the internal logic within the paragraphs is weak. The transition between the description of copper and the second paragraph (which also seems to describe copper) is disjointed and lacks a clear logical flow. Improving the use of referencing and ensuring that each paragraph has a distinct focus would greatly enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'plummeting', 'surged', and 'trajectory'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'changes were levelled off' and 'followed the same trajectory in last month'. Some of these errors, combined with the repetitive nature of the reporting, limit the precision of your language. To reach a higher band, focus on using collocations more accurately and avoiding redundant phrasing when describing trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Common issues include incorrect verb tenses, missing articles, and punctuation errors (e.g., 'it's price' instead of 'its price', 'before gradually fall' instead of 'before gradually falling'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally make the text difficult to follow. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the high frequency of basic grammatical slips prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense 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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