Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 6.5

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the three metals. You have successfully highlighted the key trends, such as nickel's initial peak and subsequent decline, and made relevant comparisons between the metals. However, the overview is slightly repetitive in its phrasing, and some data points could be more precisely integrated to show the 'main features' more clearly. For instance, while you mention the fluctuations, grouping the metals by their overall performance or identifying the most significant volatility would have strengthened the analysis. Overall, the response is accurate and provides a clear summary of the provided graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'subsequently' and 'according to the line graph' to link sentences, although some transitions feel a bit mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect of the data. To reach a higher band, ensure that the connection between sentences is more fluid and that you avoid repetitive sentence starters, which can make the flow feel slightly predictable.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'variation', 'fluctuated', and 'accounted for' correctly. The language is generally precise enough to convey the trends in the graph. However, the vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive; for example, you use 'started to increase' and 'decreased' multiple times. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for change and movement, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', 'stabilized', or 'marginal'. The spelling is accurate throughout, and the word choices do not impede communication, meeting the requirements for a solid band 6 or 7.

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 errors, such as the unnecessary period after 'June' in the final paragraph ('-1%. and then'). Additionally, some phrasing is slightly clunky, such as 'nickel had the largest percentage change in price compared with the previous month'. While there are occasional errors, they do not impede the reader's understanding. To achieve a higher score, aim for more complex sentence structures and ensure consistent control over punctuation, particularly when listing data points.

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

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