Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly change in prices of three metals during 2014.

Overall, the percentage change in price of nickel decreased in the first half of the year before increasing in the second half. In contrast, the proportion of copper fluctuated over the period , whereas the percentage of price increased in February, decreased till June before increasing in November.

The percentage of price change of nickel accounted for 6% in January. It then decreased to 5% in February and stood at 1% in March. It remained unchanged in April and declined slightly to 0.75% in May before felling to a low of -3% in June. This proportion then recovered to -1% in July and remained stable till September before decreasing slightly to -2% in October. However, it then increased gradually to 1% in November and remained unchanged in December. copper , on the other hand, represented 2% in January. This percentage declined considerably reaching 1% in February, 0.5% in March and April, and -0.5% in May and June. This share climbed to 1% in July and remained stable till September before decreasing to 0.5% in October. It remained same in November and peaked at 1.5% in December.

Nevertheless, zinc reported 1% in January. This percentage rose to 3% in February, highest across the period before experiencing consistent decline. This fell to 2% in March, 1.5% in April, and reached at 1% in May. It then dropped to a low of -1% in June before increasing to -0.5% in July. This percentage remained constant till September before decreasing again to -1% in October. It then rose to 1.75% in November and peaked at 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends. However, the overview is slightly confusing; for instance, the description of copper's movement is inaccurate, as it does not simply 'fluctuate' but shows specific trends that are not clearly synthesized. While the main features are reported, the analysis lacks a cohesive comparison between the metals. The data reporting is generally accurate, but the lack of a clear, analytical summary of the overall trends prevents this from reaching a higher band. The response is well-structured in terms of reporting the data points, but it needs to focus more on highlighting the most significant differences and similarities rather than just listing figures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with each metal receiving its own section. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'This percentage', 'It then'). The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is functional but could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, though some sentences feel like a list of data points rather than a cohesive narrative. Improved use of linking words to show contrast and sequence would enhance the flow and logical connection between the different trends observed in the graph.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', and 'peaked'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'felling' (should be 'falling') and 'remained same' (should be 'remained the same'). The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the sophistication or precision required for a higher band. To improve, the student should focus on using more varied reporting verbs and adverbs to describe the degree of change, rather than relying on basic descriptors. The errors present do not impede communication, but they do limit the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the percentage of price increased' (should be 'the price percentage increased') and 'reached at 1%' (should be 'reached 1%'). Punctuation is occasionally inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas. While the meaning is always clear, the frequency of these minor errors prevents the writing from being considered error-free. The student demonstrates a reasonable command of grammar, but more attention to prepositions and verb forms is needed to achieve a higher level of accuracy.

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