Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc during 2014, compared with the previous month.

Overall, nickel experienced the most significant fluctuations, recording both the highest increase and the lowest figure. By contrast, copper showed relatively stable changes. All three metals experienced a decline around June, followed by a recovery towards the end of the year.

In January, nickel recorded the highest increase, at 6%, before falling steadily to 1% in March and approximately 0.5% in May. It then dropped sharply to -3% in June, the lowest point on the graph. Although nickel recovered to around -1% between July and September, it fell again to -2% in October before rising to approximately 1% in November and December.

Copper started at 2% in January and declined gradually, reaching -1% in June. It then recovered to about 1% from July to September, dipped slightly in October and ended the year at around 1.5%.

Zinc rose from 1% to 3% between January and February, then declined to -1% in June. After remaining slightly negative until October, it recovered significantly to 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the graph. You successfully identified the main trends, such as the volatility of nickel compared to the relative stability of copper, and highlighted the common decline in June. The key features are well-selected, and the comparisons between the three metals are relevant and effectively integrated. You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt, providing a clear overview and supporting it with specific data points from the graph. The response is well-structured and meets all requirements for a high-scoring Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and distinct body paragraphs for each metal. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you have used cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'Although', and 'After remaining' effectively to link sentences and ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals, which helps the reader follow the information easily. The flow of the report is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive phrasing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends accurately. Phrases like 'most significant fluctuations', 'declined gradually', and 'recovered significantly' demonstrate a good command of descriptive language suitable for academic reporting. The vocabulary is precise and used correctly in context. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms for 'increase' or 'decrease' (such as 'surged', 'plummeted', or 'marginal') could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('Although nickel recovered...', 'After remaining slightly negative...'). The grammar is accurate throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate a high level of control over tense and sentence construction, which is consistent with a high-band performance.

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

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