Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-30

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 6.5)

The line graph displays data on changes in mean monthly prices of three metals; copper,nickel and zinc.

Overall, the price of all three metals flactuated throughout the year except for the period between July and September when they remained steady.

Nickel started off at 6% price increase in January before a drastic downfall to 1% in March and further declined to -3% in June. However nickel price increase again in July with 2% and remains unchanged until September when there is a slight dip before increasing and leveling off at 1%.

Copper has insignificant price flactuations between 2% and and just below 0%. Just like nickel's price change pattern there was no change in price between July and September.

There is a noticeable price increase of zinc from 1% in January to 3% percent in February before a steady decline between March and July when prices stay the same until September.

At the end of the year in December all three metals price changes were almost similar ,falling between 1% and 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for all three metals. You successfully highlighted the period of stability between July and September, which is a key feature. However, the overview is slightly weak; while you mention that prices fluctuated, it would be more effective to highlight the overall volatility of nickel compared to the relative stability of copper. Additionally, some data points are described with slight inaccuracies, such as the description of copper's fluctuations. To improve, ensure that the 'main features' are clearly distinguished from the supporting details in your overview paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the trends of the different metals. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'However' and 'Just like', to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes a bit mechanical. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking words and ensure that the transition between the description of individual metals and the final comparison is smoother. The referencing is generally clear, though the structure of the final paragraph could be more tightly integrated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends, using terms like 'drastic downfall', 'slight dip', and 'leveling off'. However, there are some spelling errors ('flactuated', 'flactuations') and minor word choice issues. The repetition of 'price increase' and 'price change' limits the sophistication of your writing. To improve, focus on using more precise synonyms for movement and change, and ensure you proofread for basic spelling errors, as these distract from the quality of your analysis.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'nickel price increase again' (should be 'increased') and 'all three metals price changes were almost similar' (missing possessive apostrophe). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage and spacing. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of possessives. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score in this criterion.

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

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