Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-03

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 percentage changes in prices on cooper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced both the largest growth and the greatest fall among all metals in January and June respectively. The changes in cooper prices were not so abrupt but followed the same trend as nickel. Zinc prices were the most stable with percentage changes from about -0.5% to 2%.

Nickel started off with the growth by six percent in January, which was the largest rise experienced that year. Then it showed less significant growth from February to June, when the first fall by 3% happened. From June to October prices was falling, before they plateaued at 1%-growth in November. As regards zinc, its prices started with a growth by 1% in January and by 3% in February, which was less than nickel, but since March they showed larger growths and smaller falls than nickel – by 1-2% and -0.5%-(-1%) respectively.

In terms of cooper, it grew by 2% in January, then the pace slowed down and in May prices decreased by 0.5%, which is continued next month. From July to September prices plateaued at 1%-rise, then slightly slowed down and in December showed a growth by about 1,5%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph and provided a clear overview. You covered all three metals and made relevant comparisons, such as noting that nickel was the most volatile while zinc was the most stable. However, the report could be improved by ensuring the data points are more precise. For example, stating 'growth by six percent' for nickel in January is accurate, but some descriptions of the trends are slightly vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features are highlighted with consistent data support throughout the body paragraphs, avoiding minor inaccuracies in the interpretation of the timeline.

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 'Overall', 'Then', 'As regards', and 'In terms of' to guide the reader through the data. However, the transition between ideas could be smoother. Some sentences feel slightly disjointed, and the use of referencing could be more precise to avoid repetition. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different metals, which helps the overall flow. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words to connect the trends more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'plateaued', 'abrupt', and 'significant growth'. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'cooper' instead of 'copper', and some awkward phrasing like 'growth by six percent' (it is more natural to say 'a six percent increase'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Incorporating more precise collocations related to data trends would enhance your score significantly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'prices was falling' (should be 'prices were falling') and 'which is continued next month' (should be 'which continued the following month'). Punctuation is generally clear, though there are minor issues with the use of hyphens and commas in numerical ranges. Most of your sentences are clear and the errors do not impede communication, but more consistent control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is needed for a higher band.

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

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