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 changes in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc over the course of 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced the most dramatic fluctuations, reaching both the highest increase and the lowest decrease. By contrast, copper showed relatively minor changes throughout the year. All three metals experienced a decline around the middle of the year before recovering towards December.

In January, nickel recorded the largest increase, at 6%, followed by copper at 2% and zinc at 1%. Nickel then fell sharply to 4% in February and 1% in March, remaining at around this level in April before dropping to approximately 0.5% in May. Its most significant fall occurred in June, when the figure reached -3%. Zinc, meanwhile, rose to 3% in February before gradually declining, reaching about -1% in June. Copper also decreased steadily, from 2% in January to around -0.5% in May and June.

From July onwards, copper recovered to about 1% and remained relatively stable until September, before falling slightly in October and then rising again towards the end of the year. Nickel recovered from -3% in June to -1% in July and stayed at approximately this level through September. It then fell to -2% in October, followed by a sharp recovery to around 1% in November and December. Zinc remained slightly negative from July to October, but then increased considerably, reaching approximately 1.5% in November and 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that highlights the main trends, such as nickel's volatility and the general mid-year decline. The selection of data is appropriate, and you have successfully made comparisons between the three metals throughout the report. The key features are well-supported by specific data points from the graph, such as the 6% peak for nickel in January and the -3% low in June. The information is accurate and provides a comprehensive summary of the provided visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively by time periods. Cohesive devices are used naturally, such as 'By contrast', 'meanwhile', and 'from July onwards', which help guide the reader through the chronological progression of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the first half of the year from the second. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different metals is clearly maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends and fluctuations with precision. Phrases like 'most dramatic fluctuations', 'remained relatively stable', and 'increased considerably' demonstrate a good command of descriptive language. The terminology is accurate and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms for 'increase' or 'decrease' to avoid repetition, though the current usage is perfectly adequate for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The control over grammar and punctuation is strong, with the majority of sentences being error-free. You have successfully used past tense forms to describe the 2014 data, and the sentence structure is varied enough to maintain interest. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the use of commas and conjunctions is generally accurate, contributing to the overall clarity of the report.

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