Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The line graph illustrates the proportion of three metals such as copper, nickel and zinc, which 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 June. Copper had the second biggest share of metal, in the beginning month it was 2% in January. However, Copper prices was consistently decreasing until June 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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarise the graph, but there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For example, you state that Nickel 'continuously decreased every month' and that Copper was 'consistently decreasing until June', which contradicts the visual data provided in the graph. Furthermore, the identification of trends is often confused, and the description of the data points is frequently incorrect (e.g., stating Copper was 2% in January when the graph shows it starting lower). While you have attempted to cover all three metals, the failure to accurately interpret the data points and trends significantly impacts the task achievement. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference your written figures with the graph axes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Turning to the details' to signal transitions. However, the logical progression is hindered by the factual inaccuracies mentioned in the task achievement section. Additionally, some sentences are disjointed, such as 'Nickel recorded the highest share of metals, , it was continuously decreased'. The use of punctuation is also inconsistent, which occasionally disrupts the flow of ideas. Improving the logical connection between sentences and ensuring consistent paragraphing will help elevate your score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'fluctuation', 'gradually declined', and 'dramatically increased'. However, there are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'share of metals prices' and 'beginning month'. Some phrases are repetitive, and the misuse of technical terms (e.g., 'proportion' instead of 'percentage change') limits the precision of your report. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology related to data description and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Copper prices was consistently decreasing'), incorrect verb tenses, and missing articles. For instance, 'Nickel metal price was stood at' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'Nickel prices stood at'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to distract the reader. Focusing on basic sentence construction and ensuring consistent verb forms will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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.