Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-04

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 three metals—nickel, zinc, and copper—throughout 2014.

Overall, nickel exhibited the greatest volatility in price changes during the year, while copper generally showed the most stable trend. Although all three metals experienced fluctuations, their performance varied significantly across different months.

In January, nickel started with the highest increase at 6%, dropping slightly to 4% in February. Copper followed a similar downward pattern, decreasing from 2% in January to 1% in February. In contrast, zinc rose sharply to reach 3% in February. By March, nickel declined sharply to 1%, whereas zinc decreased to 2% and copper fell to 0.5%.

In April, nickel remained at 1%, copper stayed at 0.5%, and zinc dropped further to 1.5%. May saw a general decrease for all metals; zinc fell to 1%, while both copper and nickel decreased to negative values, specifically -0.5%. June marked the lowest point for nickel, which plummeted to -3%, while zinc also declined to -1%. Copper, however, recovered slightly to -0.5%.

From July onwards, the trends shifted upwards. Nickel and zinc remained negative but improved, reaching -1% and -0.5%, respectively, in July. Throughout August and September, the figures for all three metals stabilized, with copper at 1%, nickel at -1%, and zinc at -0.5%. In October, nickel and zinc increased to 1% and 1.5%, respectively. Finally, in December, nickel remained stable at 1%, while copper and zinc rose to 1.5% and 2%, respectively.

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 of the trends and successfully selected key features, such as the volatility of nickel and the relative stability of copper. The comparisons between the three metals are relevant and well-integrated. You have covered the data points comprehensively without becoming overly mechanical. The summary is accurate and follows the visual data provided, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 performance by presenting a well-developed response that highlights the most significant trends throughout the year.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The information is logically sequenced, moving chronologically through the months. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'whereas', and 'From July onwards' are used naturally to guide the reader through the data. The progression of ideas is clear, and the referencing is consistent throughout the text. The structure is coherent, and the use of linking words is neither over-used nor mechanical, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends, such as 'volatility', 'plummeted', 'stabilized', and 'fluctuations'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptors to reach the highest band. However, the current range is flexible and allows for clear communication of the data without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although all three metals experienced fluctuations, their performance varied...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense consistency is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of comparative structures is accurate and adds to the overall clarity of the report. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.