Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph depicts the average percentage change in the price of copper, nickel, and zinc over the course of 2014.

Overall, the fluctuation in prices varied across the three metals, with copper experiencing moderate changes, nickel showing more pronounced fluctuations, and zinc demonstrating a relatively stable trend for most of the year.

In terms of copper, the price initially hovered around 0% in January before experiencing a decline to approximately -2.2% in February. Subsequently, the price fluctuated marginally between -1% and 1% from March to October, with a slight drop to around -1.2% in December.

On the other hand, nickel exhibited a more volatile pattern, sharing at approximately -0.8% in January, dropping significantly to -2.8% in February, and reaching a peak of 5.8% in May. The price continued to fluctuate between -1% and 3% from June to November before settling at around 1.2% in December. In contrast, zinc displayed relatively stable trend, with minor fluctuations. The price started at around -0.5% from August to November, ending at approximately 2.2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the graph. You have identified the key trends for copper, nickel, and zinc, and provided relevant data points to support your descriptions. The overview clearly highlights the differences in volatility between the three metals. However, the description of zinc is slightly underdeveloped; you mention it started in August, but the graph provides data for the entire year, and your summary misses the earlier months for this metal. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are covered comprehensively and that comparisons between the metals are more explicitly drawn throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and distinct body paragraphs for each metal. Cohesive devices such as 'In terms of', 'On the other hand', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. To improve, ensure that the transition between the description of nickel and zinc is slightly more fluid to enhance the overall flow of the comparative analysis.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data-driven task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'pronounced', 'volatile', and 'marginal'. These words allow for precise descriptions of the trends shown in the graph. There is a minor error in the phrase 'sharing at approximately -0.8%', where 'starting' was likely intended. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations related to trends—such as 'a downward trajectory' or 'a period of relative stability'—would further elevate the lexical quality of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. You successfully use participial phrases, such as 'sharing at approximately -0.8% in January, dropping significantly...', which adds variety to your writing. There are very few grammatical slips, and the meaning is always clear. To move into the higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or conditional clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your control of English grammar.

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