Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-01

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 compares the average monthly change in the prize of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, it is evident that copper price showed fluctuation whole year, while zinc prices changed slightly more than copper. In addition the most significant change was showed in nickel.

At the beginning of the period, copper stood at 2%, compared with 1% for zinc. The figure for copper cost then fell to -1% , before rising to 2% again in the end of the year. Meanwhile, zinc followed a contrasting pattern initially its cost rise to 3% then slightly decrease to -1 % and stay constant before rising to 2% in the month of october.

Turning to nickel, initially it recorded 6% change in its cost in the month of january. This figure subsequently decreased to -3% and reaching a low average of cost in june month. By the end of the year, it had risen to -1% and remained same for 3 months before increase again to 1%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends. However, the overview is slightly underdeveloped; while it mentions fluctuations, it lacks a clear summary of the overall comparative performance. The description of the data is generally accurate, but there are some inaccuracies in reporting the figures (e.g., describing the nickel trend as 'reaching a low average of cost' is vague). To reach a higher band, ensure the overview highlights the most striking differences between the metals more explicitly and ensure data points are cited with greater precision to support the comparisons made.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs for the specific metals. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'At the beginning of the period', 'Meanwhile', and 'Turning to', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'before rising to 2% again in the end of the year'. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the internal cohesion within the paragraph about nickel could be improved to avoid repetitive sentence structures. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for the description of trends (e.g., 'fluctuation', 'contrasting pattern', 'decreased'). However, there are noticeable errors in word choice, such as 'prize' instead of 'price' and 'cost' used repeatedly where 'value' or 'percentage change' would be more precise. There is also a spelling error ('october' should be capitalized). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but the lack of variety and the occasional misuse of terms prevent a higher score. Focusing on more precise terminology for financial data would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'most significant change was showed' (passive voice error), 'initially its cost rise' (tense error), and 'remained same' (missing article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around symbols like '%'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent use of verb tenses when describing past data, as well as refining the use of articles and prepositions.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.