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 graph demonstrates the average monthly prices of three metals that how it has been changed during 2014.
Overall, the line graph compares the prices of metals during 2014 which indicated highest and lowest of Nickel that declined from 6 to 1%.
During 2014, the major drop in price showed that the price of Nickel ranges from 6% to 1% from January to March and reached up to -3% till June. Whereas it again reached -1 and remained constant during the months of July, August and September. Furthermore, after a slight decline in price it again rose and by the end of the year it reached to 1%.
On the other hand, Copper prices resulted with a minimal difference in the price that starts from 2% in January and decreases during the mid of the year, Additionally, it showed an incline till the end of the year by 1.5%. Lastly, cost of Zinc varies from 1% to 3% till February, and charges became less by the month of June showing -1%. Costs varied till October and showed an incline by reaching 2% by December.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends, such as the decline of nickel and the fluctuations of zinc. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, cohesive overview of the most significant trends. While you mention the 'highest and lowest' of nickel, the summary lacks a comparative synthesis of the three metals' performances relative to one another. Some data points are described in isolation rather than being compared effectively. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most striking differences or similarities between the metals rather than just listing individual movements. The description of the data is generally accurate, but the lack of a strong, integrated summary limits the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand' to signal transitions. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed, and some referencing is unclear (e.g., 'that how it has been changed'). The progression of ideas within paragraphs could be smoother; for instance, the transition between the description of nickel and copper is abrupt. While the paragraphing is sufficient, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly misused, which prevents a higher band score. Improving the variety and naturalness of linking phrases would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'declined', 'remained constant', 'minimal difference', and 'incline'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'resulted with a minimal difference' and 'charges became less'. These errors do not impede communication but show a lack of precision. To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated collocations and precise terminology for describing trends (e.g., 'fluctuated', 'experienced a downward trend', 'peaked'). The vocabulary is functional but lacks the flexibility and precision required for a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'that how it has been changed', 'which indicated highest and lowest of Nickel', and 'cost of Zinc varies... and charges became less'. These errors, particularly with articles and verb tenses, are noticeable. While the meaning is generally clear, the control over complex structures is inconsistent. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Increasing the number of error-free sentences will significantly improve your score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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