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 provided graph below stipulate the average monthly change in the rate of three metals in the year 2014.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is evident that in the starting of year nickel was the most expensive metal among them but in the end of zinc led to be priced higher metal.
After analysing the graph of three metals, it is clear that in the January month nickel price was 6% more than previous year that got minus 3% in June and in the end of year the price of it was only one percent more than passed year.
Turning toward the remaining metals, copper was price was raised two percent only that falls in mid year and at the end it was only one and half proportion more. Next, zinc in the start of the year 2014 it’s rate rise up only 1% that keep raising and falling in the mid of the year. At last of the year it’s price was only 2% more than previous year.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the starting and ending points for the three metals. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, the description of the fluctuations is vague, using phrases like 'keep raising and falling' rather than specifying the trends or key turning points. Additionally, the interpretation of the data is occasionally inaccurate; for instance, stating that nickel was the 'most expensive' based on a percentage change graph is a conceptual error, as the graph shows price changes, not absolute prices. To reach a higher band, you should focus on accurately describing the trends and providing more precise data comparisons.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into an introduction and body paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally mechanical or misused, such as 'Turning toward the remaining metals' or 'At last of the year'. Referencing is also inconsistent, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of information. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that connects logically to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'stipulate the average monthly change', 'passed year' instead of 'previous year', and 'one and half proportion'. These errors occasionally impede the clarity of the report. To improve, you should practice using more precise terminology for describing graphs, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and avoid literal translations that do not fit the context of data reporting.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('the provided graph... stipulate'), incorrect preposition use ('in the starting of year'), and awkward phrasing ('copper was price was raised'). These errors are noticeable and sometimes make the meaning difficult to grasp. While the message is generally understandable, the high frequency of basic errors prevents a higher score. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like missing articles and incorrect verb forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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