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 compares the percentage differences in the price of three different metals- copper, nickel, and zinc throughout the year 2014.

Overall, it is evident from the graph that at the beginning of the year, the price of Nickel was the highest and zick accounted for the least. However, by the month of December, the price of nickel experienced a stark decline and became the lowest whereas the price of zinc was the highest. Moreover, the price of copper fluctuated considerably.

Initially, nickel led the market at 6%, followed by Copper at 2%. The price of nickel then fell dramatically to 1% in March, where it remained stable for a month. In the following month, after a slight dip in the price at 0.6%, it hit the lowest at negative 3% before bouncing back to negative 1%. From June to september the cahnge in price levelled off before another fall, which eventually rose to 1% and remained stable. A quite similar pattern can be observed with Zick. Though it started at 1%, there was a 2 percentage points increase in price. However, for the remaining period the pattern was quite similar to nickel but in the end the price rose to 2%.

Copper represented a different trajectory, starting at 1%. After that, the price decreased merginally before it became the least at 0.5% in March. After remaining stable for a month, the price rose slightly to 1% and remained there for the next two months before reaching at 1.5% eventually.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and identifies key features. You successfully highlight the starting and ending points for the three metals. However, there are some inaccuracies in data interpretation; for instance, you describe the price of nickel as the 'highest' at the start, but the graph shows it at 6%, while copper and zinc are lower. The description of the trends is generally accurate, but the analysis of the fluctuations could be more precise. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data points cited align perfectly with the visual information provided in the graph, and avoid minor misinterpretations of the starting values.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into four paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, and you use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Moreover', and 'In the following month' to link sentences. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as when you refer to 'Zick' (a typo for Zinc). The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure helps the reader follow the comparison of the three metals effectively throughout the year.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the trends, using terms like 'stark decline', 'fluctuated considerably', and 'levelled off'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'zick' instead of 'zinc' and 'merginally' instead of 'marginally', which slightly detract from the professional tone. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the precision is occasionally lacking. To improve, focus on ensuring accurate spelling of key terms and refining your use of collocations to describe statistical changes more naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are error-free, there are occasional grammatical slips, such as 'reaching at 1.5%' (should be 'reaching 1.5%') and 'the cahnge in price'. Punctuation is generally handled well, but there are minor issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. The errors present do not impede communication, but they prevent the response from reaching the highest bands. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining strict accuracy will help elevate your score in this criterion.

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