Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage change in the prices of three metals—copper, nickel, and zinc—throughout 2014.

Overall, all three metals experienced fluctuations over the twelve-month period. While nickel saw the most dramatic drop in the first half of the year, zinc and copper ended the year with positive price growth.

In January, nickel recorded the highest price increase at 6%, but this figure dropped sharply to 1% in March. Its price continued to decline, reaching a low of -3% in June. Similarly, copper prices started with a 2% rise in January, reached 3% in February, and then fell steadily to -0.5% in June. In contrast, zinc prices fluctuated between 1% and 3% before falling to -1% in June.

In the second half of the year, nickel recovered to -1% in July and hovered around -2% before rising to 1% in November and December. Zinc rebounded strongly, climbing to 2% by December. Meanwhile, copper prices also recovered, finishing the year at approximately 1.5%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the main features of the graph. You have successfully identified the key trends for all three metals, including the initial volatility and the recovery phases. The comparison between the metals is clear, and the overview provides a concise summary of the overall trends. You have selected relevant data points to support your descriptions, such as the peak for nickel in January and the final figures for zinc and copper. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently highlight the most significant differences or similarities between the metals throughout the entire period, rather than just describing them sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that divide the data into the first and second halves of the year. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'In contrast', and 'Meanwhile' effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows well from one point to the next. The use of referencing is clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow which metal is being discussed at any given time.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends, such as 'fluctuations', 'dramatic drop', 'rebounded', and 'hovered'. The language is precise and fits the context of a data analysis task well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate a slightly wider variety of descriptive verbs or adverbs to characterize the degree of change, such as 'marginal', 'substantial', or 'precipitous', to add more sophistication to your analysis.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('While nickel saw...', '...before rising to...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list items. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The writing is clear and easy to follow, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response in this criterion.

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