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)

This line graph provides information about the monthly changes in the prices of three metals, namely copper, nickel and zinc, in 2014.

Overall, according to the line graph, it is evident that the prices of all three metals fluctuated over the period. At the beginning of the period, nickel recorded the highest percentage, while zinc experienced the lowest percentage. By the end of the period, zinc recorded the highest percentage, whereas nickel remained at around 1%.

In January, nickel recorded the highest percentage, at 6%. After that, this trend decreased sharply in March. From March to April, nickel remained unchanged before declining dramatically by July to around -3%, and recorded the lowest proportion among the lines. Then, nickel rose gradually and reached around 1% at the end of the period.

Copper and zinc followed an almost similar pattern throughout the period. At the beginning of the period, copper was at 2%. After that, it decreased gradually and remained at the same level from March to July, at around -50%, respectively. Next, it fluctuated and at the end of the period, it remained at around 1%. From January to February, zinc increased dramatically from 1% to 3%, then decreased gradually and reached a similar lowest point of -1% in July and October, respectively. By the end of the period, zinc climbed and recorded the highest percentage, at 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features and trends of the graph. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with data from the chart. However, there are significant inaccuracies in your data reporting. For instance, you mention copper remained at -50% from March to July, which is not supported by the graph provided. Additionally, your description of the trends for copper and zinc is somewhat confusing, as you state they followed a similar pattern but then describe very different movements. To improve, ensure that your data points are transcribed accurately from the visual information to avoid misrepresenting the facts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning of the period', 'After that', and 'By the end of the period' to guide the reader through the timeline. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals. However, the connection between ideas within the third paragraph is slightly mechanical, and the transition between the description of copper and zinc could be smoother. Overall, the information is easy to follow, and the progression of ideas is logical throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'recorded', 'declining dramatically', and 'rose gradually'. These words are appropriate for describing trends in a graph. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as using 'proportion' when referring to percentage changes, which is slightly inaccurate in this context. While you attempt to use a variety of descriptive verbs, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive in its structure. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data analysis, such as 'a marginal increase' or 'a significant downturn'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is generally effective. Most of your sentences are clear, and your grammar is mostly accurate. There are occasional errors, such as 'at around -50%, respectively', where the use of 'respectively' is redundant and grammatically misplaced. Additionally, some of your sentence constructions are slightly repetitive in their reliance on 'subject + verb + prepositional phrase'. While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the higher bands where a wider range of error-free complex structures is expected.

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