Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-31

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 illustrates the average monthly variation in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014.

Overall, nickel showed the highest percentage change in price compared with the previous month, but then it started to decrease, followed by copper, which showed a downward trend initially and then started increasing. At first, zinc showed the lowest change in price compared with the previous month and then fluctuated.

From the line graph, nickel had the largest percentage change in price compared with the previous month, which was 6% in January, and then it declined to -3% in June and rose to 1% in December. Subsequently, copper's percentage variation in price accounted for 2% in January, decreased to approximately -0.5% in June, and then increased to nearly 2% in December

According to the line graph, zinc had the lowest variation in price in January, which was 1% initially, and then started to increase to 3% in February. It decreased sharply in June to -1%. and then started to increase to 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features and trends for all three metals. You have successfully selected key data points, such as the starting and ending percentages and the mid-year fluctuations. However, the overview is slightly repetitive and could be more analytical. For instance, instead of listing the trends for each metal individually in the overview, you could group them by their overall trajectory (e.g., those that ended the year higher versus those that remained volatile). While you have made comparisons, these could be more explicit to highlight the relative performance of the metals more effectively throughout the year.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'subsequently' and 'according to the line graph', to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother, and the use of referencing could be more varied to avoid repetitive sentence structures. Overall, the progression of information is clear, and the reader can easily follow the description of the trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'variation', 'downward trend', 'fluctuated', and 'accounted for'. The vocabulary is generally accurate and allows for clear communication. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise collocations and less common lexical items related to data description. For example, instead of repeating 'started to increase', you could use 'experienced an upward trajectory' or 'rebounded'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede meaning, but the range is somewhat limited to standard descriptive phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are a few minor punctuation issues, such as the unnecessary period in 'June to -1%. and then started', which disrupts the flow. You have good control over basic grammar, but the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To improve, try to integrate more varied subordinate clauses or participial phrases to describe the data more fluidly. Despite these minor slips, the errors do not impede communication, and the majority of your sentences are error-free.

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