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 proportion of average monthly change in the prices of three metals in 2014.
At a glance, it is clear that overall all of the three metals prices fluctuated over the given period, while the price of nickel experienced a significant plummet.
Looking at the graph in detail, in January, the market price of nickel rose to 6% compared to the previous month. Then the price significantly fell to 1% by March. After March, the price remained relatively steady until May. In June the price dropped, and market share went to negative region. The curve of nickel then saw some fluctuation before managing to capture 1% of total market price at the end.
Regarding other metals, an almost similar pattern was shown in the curve of copper and zinc, they shared 1% and 2%, respectively in January. After January, the price of zinc rose to 3% but ultimately dropped again before finishing at a 2% price rise at the end. However, the copper curve accounted for a gradual decrease until June. After that, the price slightly increased and finished at 1.7% roughly, which was less than the starting price.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends such as the significant fluctuation of nickel and the general patterns of copper and zinc. However, the analysis is somewhat hindered by inaccurate reporting of data points. For instance, stating that nickel 'rose to 6%' in January is a misinterpretation of the graph, which shows the value closer to 5%. Furthermore, the description of 'market share' is inaccurate, as the graph depicts price changes, not market share. While the main features are highlighted, the lack of precision in data reporting and the misidentification of the Y-axis variable prevent the response from reaching a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At a glance', 'Looking at the graph in detail', and 'Regarding other metals' helps guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the specific details. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'market share went to negative region', which lacks a clear antecedent or logical connection to the previous sentence. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with attempts at descriptive language such as 'significant plummet', 'relatively steady', and 'gradual decrease'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as using 'proportion' to describe price changes and 'market share' instead of 'percentage change in price'. These inaccuracies slightly detract from the professional tone required for an Academic Task 1 report. While the range is sufficient to convey the main points, more precise terminology related to trends and data interpretation would improve the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'overall all of the three metals prices fluctuated' (redundancy and possessive error) and 'an almost similar pattern was shown in the curve of copper and zinc, they shared 1% and 2%' (comma splice). Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout the text, and the errors do not impede communication. The writer shows an ability to use complex structures, but greater control over punctuation and subject-verb agreement is needed to reach a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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