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 provided line graph illustrates the change in price of three metals namely, copper, nickel and zinc on a monthly basis in 2014.
Overall, the price of nickel and copper has been dropped while the price of zinc had increased at the end of the year. Furthermore, a trend is observed as all three metal prices were lowest in June.
The detailed analysis of the graph showcases the fall in the price of nickel as it slumped from 6% in January to -3% in June but bounced back to 1% in December. Similarly, the price of copper has also decreased significantly from 2% in January to -0.5% in June but also decide to bounce back to 1.5% at the end of the year.
Although, the price of zinc had skyrocketed in the first 2 month reaching 3%, it dropped back reaching -1% in June but unlike copper and zinc, it has bounced back to 2% at the end of December which is higher than where it started(1%) in January.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the graph well. You successfully identified the trends for all three metals and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the shared low point in June and the final standing of zinc compared to its starting point. However, there is a minor inaccuracy in the description of the trends; you stated that the price of nickel and copper 'dropped', whereas the graph shows monthly changes, meaning they fluctuated throughout the year. Additionally, the statement 'unlike copper and zinc' in the final paragraph is confusing, as you are comparing zinc to itself. More precise data referencing would elevate the response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, and you use cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Similarly', and 'Although' to link your points. However, the use of referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as the confusing comparison in the final paragraph. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the overall structure is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that your cohesive links are used with more precision and that you avoid repetitive sentence structures when transitioning between the different metals.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'slumped', 'skyrocketed', and 'bounced back' to describe the trends. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'decide to bounce back' is unnatural; prices do not make decisions. Additionally, 'namely' is used slightly awkwardly in the introduction. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Focusing on more academic collocations and avoiding personification of inanimate objects like prices will improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that persist throughout the text. For instance, 'the price of nickel and copper has been dropped' is an incorrect passive construction; it should be 'has dropped'. There are also issues with article usage and tense consistency, such as 'in the first 2 month' (should be 'months'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. You should focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your verb tenses accurately reflect the timeline of the data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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