Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-05
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 5.0)
The line graph illustrates the proportion of three metals such as copper, nickel and zinc, they were changing average monthly in the prices in 2014.
Overall, Nickel recorded the highest share of metals, it was continuously decreased every month. Zinc had the second largest proportion of metals prices, but this trend experienced fluctuation. Copper had the smallest share and it was seen slightly increase every months.
To begin with, Nickel accounted for the biggest percentage of metals prices at 6% in January, but then this trend experienced significant decrease stood at 1% in March. Furthermore, Nickel metal price was seen constantly fall to -3% price of metal in Jun. Copper had the second biggest share of metal, in the beginning month it was 2% in January. However, Copper prices was consistently decreasing until Jun month.
Turning to the details, Nickel metal price was stood at -1% in July then it gradually declined to -2% in October. After that it reached to 1% in November and December. Copper was surged to approximately 2% in December. Zinc had the lowest prices of metal stood at 1% in January, then it was marginally rose to 3% in February. Meanwhile this metal decreased to -1% Jun. Zinc was dramatically increased to 2% in December.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the main features of the graph, but there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For example, the description of Nickel's trend as 'continuously decreased every month' is contradicted by the data, which shows an increase in November and December. Similarly, the claim that Copper was 'consistently decreasing until Jun' is inaccurate based on the visual evidence. While the response covers all three metals, the misinterpretation of the data points and the failure to accurately compare the trends significantly impacts the clarity and accuracy of the report. To improve, ensure that data points are read precisely and that the summary reflects the actual fluctuations shown in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'To begin with' and 'Turning to the details' are used, but the logical flow between sentences is sometimes disjointed. For instance, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. Additionally, referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the use of 'this trend' when referring to specific metal prices. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus would enhance the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. The student frequently uses basic terms like 'share', 'prices', and 'biggest percentage' rather than more precise terminology related to data analysis, such as 'fluctuation', 'decline', 'surge', or 'plateau'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'every months' (should be 'every month') and 'the beginning month'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of sophisticated vocabulary and the presence of word-choice errors prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Expanding your vocabulary to include more academic descriptors for trends will be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('Nickel metal price was stood at'), incorrect verb tenses ('it was marginally rose'), and awkward phrasing ('they were changing average monthly in the prices'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma splices. While the meaning is usually clear, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice for reporting data would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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