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 graph illustrates the average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel, and zinc during 2014.

Overall it is evident that nickel showed the significant fluctuation throughout the period, while zinc represented a moderate fluctutaion,

whereas copper registered for a slight variation during the period.

Regarding the percentage, nickel stood at 6% in January, gradually declined to 1% in March, remained unchanged till April, and marginally decreased

to nearly 0.5% in May. Afterwards, in June, it dropped to -3% before rising again -1%, and remained stable till September. However, before decreasing to again -2% in October, it again rose and remained relatively stable at 1% in December.

Meanwhile, zinc accounted for 1% in January, steady grew to 3% in February, which then plummeted to -1% in June. From then on, it gradually increased

to -0.5% in July, stayed unchanged till September before declining to -1% in October, it increased and reached to 2% in December.

Turning to the other category, copper showed a slight fluctuation; it showed 2% in January, gradually dropped to -0.5% in May, and stayed unchanged till June. Furthermore, in July, it rose and reached to 1% , and showed no change till September before decreasing to 0.5%, it increased to 1.5% in December.

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 successfully provided an overview and supported it with specific data points. However, the report is slightly mechanical in its listing of figures. To reach a higher band, ensure that you group data more effectively to highlight key comparisons rather than just listing chronological changes for each metal individually. The overview is clear, but could be more analytical by focusing on the most significant trends rather than just mentioning the degree of fluctuation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs for each metal. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the categories. You use some cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile' and 'Turning to the other category' to transition between ideas. However, some sentences are slightly disjointed, such as the run-on structure in the description of zinc: '...declining to -1% in October, it increased and reached to 2% in December.' Improving the flow between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'plummeted', and 'marginally decreased'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'registered for a slight variation' (should be 'showed a slight variation') and 'steady grew' (should be 'steadily grew'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Focusing on accurate collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing will help improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and prepositions, such as 'reached to 1%' (should be 'reached 1%') and 'before decreasing to again -2%' (awkward word order). There are also some comma splices and run-on sentences, especially in the second and third paragraphs. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will be beneficial.

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

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