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 tracks the percentage of monthly change in the prices of three specific metals (copper, zinc and nickel) during the year 2014.

Overall, out of all three metals, Nickel is the most volatile one as it shows significant fluctuations throughout the year from the highest positive monthly change of 6% in January to as low as -3% in June. The other two metals kept changing their prices between the range of -1% to 3% all over the year.

Starting from January which shows a significant increase in prices of all three metals, the Nickel price increased 6% while Zinc and Copper prices increased 1% and 2% respectively. After February, we can see a gradual drop in the average monthly price of each metal until June, where Nickel price gave a -3% change, Zinc -1% and Copper changed a mere of around -0.5%.

After July, all prices remained constant for three months straight. In October we can see a slight drop in every metal and the change in prices started rising after October. In the end of the year, we notice a 1% increase in price of Nickel, approx 1.5% in Copper in 2% change in Zinc price.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, including the volatility of nickel compared to the other metals. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with specific data from the graph, such as the 6% peak in January and the -3% low in June. To reach a higher band, ensure you avoid minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for example, stating that prices remained constant for three months after July is not entirely accurate based on the visual data, which shows continued fluctuations. Additionally, ensure all comparisons are precise to fully satisfy the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. You use cohesive devices such as 'Starting from', 'After February', and 'In the end of the year' to guide the reader through the timeline. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more refined to better group the trends. The referencing is generally clear, but improving the variety of linking words would help the flow of the text feel more natural and sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'volatile', 'fluctuations', and 'gradual drop' appropriately. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'changed a mere of around' and 'in 2% change in Zinc price', which are slightly awkward. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations when describing statistical changes. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, incorporating a few more sophisticated, topic-specific terms would elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear, though there are occasional grammatical slips, such as 'In the end of the year' (should be 'At the end') and 'in 2% change' (should be 'and a 2% change'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do prevent the writing from being considered error-free. To reach a higher band, focus on consistent use of articles and prepositions, and try to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence structures with greater precision.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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