Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced both the largest increase and the sharpest decline among, in January and June respectively. Changes in zinc prices were less pronounced, although they broadly followed the similar pattern. Copper showed comparatively moderate fluctuations, ranging from about -0.5% to 2%.

Nickel started off with a 6% increase in January, which was the largest rise recorded during the year. The rate of increase fell steadily, from 4% in February to around 0.5% in May, before dropping sharply to -3% in June. Nickel prices continued to decline from June to October, with monthly changes remaining negative, before recovering to a positive change of around 1% in November and December. As regards zinc, it recorded increases of 1% and 3% in January and February respectively. The figure then gradually declined to -1% in June, remained slightly negative until October, and recovered to around 2% by December.

In terms of copper, prices increased by 2% in January. The rate of increase then slowed, before prices fell by approximately 0.5% in both May and June. From July to September, copper recorded a stable monthly increase of around 1%. The figure slipped slightly to about 0.5% in October and November before rising to approximately 1.5% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main features and trends of the three metals. You have successfully highlighted the most significant data points, such as nickel's peak in January and its sharp decline in June. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the overall trends. Comparisons are made throughout, such as noting that zinc's changes were less pronounced than nickel's. The data is accurately reported, and the selection of information is appropriate for a summary task. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are even more sharply contrasted in the overview to provide a more analytical summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'In terms of', 'As regards', and 'before' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving logically from the general trends to specific monthly fluctuations. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different metals and their respective performances. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the different parts of the graph is clearly articulated throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends and data, such as 'pronounced', 'fluctuations', 'steadily', and 'recovering'. The use of terminology is precise, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully avoid repetition by using varied structures to describe the changes in price. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information with precision and clarity. To move toward a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptors to describe the intensity of the price movements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including the use of subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'before dropping sharply to -3% in June'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation is strong. There are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of tense is consistent and appropriate for describing historical data from 2014. The writing is fluent, and the grammatical structures support the clear presentation of the information effectively.

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