Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The graph illustrates the percentage of average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.

Overall, it is clear that the price of Nickel plummeted substantially on June but rebound slightly after July. Furthermore, Zinc experienced the same fate as Nickel as the price dropped significantly on June as well, though the price able to spring back on October. On the other hand, copper price fluctuated slightly throughout the months.

With regard the average percentage change in price of Nickel, it began at 6% and then gradually crashed to 1% in March, before falling dramatically -3% on June but quickly recovered to -1% on July and bounce back to 1% on November. Likewise, Zinc started at 1% on January rose to 3% on February. After that, Zinc share the same destiny as Nickel as it plunged from 3% on February to -1% on June and rebound to approximately 1.5% in November.

In comparison, price of Copper started at 2% on January declined moderately to roughly 0.5% on May and rise to 1% on July. After which, the figure remained relatively stable and increased to 1.5% on December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends and makes relevant comparisons between the three metals. You have provided a clear overview and supported your points with specific data from the graph. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting; for instance, you mention Nickel 'plummeted' in June, but the graph shows the price change was already negative before that point. Additionally, the description of Zinc's movement in October is slightly imprecise. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data points cited align perfectly with the visual information provided and avoid overly dramatic language like 'destiny' or 'fate', which is better suited to narrative writing than analytical reports.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to specific metals. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand', 'Likewise', and 'In comparison' to link ideas effectively. However, the progression within paragraphs is occasionally mechanical. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally clear, though some sentences feel slightly disjointed due to the repetitive structure of reporting data point by point. Improving the flow between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'plummeted', 'fluctuated', and 'declined moderately'. However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation. Phrases like 'share the same destiny' are inappropriate for a formal report; 'followed a similar trend' would be more professional. Additionally, there are minor errors in preposition usage, such as 'change in the prices... on June' instead of 'in June'. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophisticated collocation required for higher band scores.

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 several grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and articles. For example, 'the price able to spring back' is missing a verb, and 'price of Copper' should be 'the price of Copper'. You also have issues with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, such as 'Zinc share the same destiny' (should be 'shared'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article usage would be beneficial.

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

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