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 percentage of average monthly change in the prices of three metals such as copper, zinc and nickel throughout 2014.
Overall, all three metals experienced fluctuation over the twelve months, copper, zinc and nickel increased towards end of the year. Nickel recorded the highest price change in metal. However, zinc had the lowest percentage and this trend saw noticeable changes in metal prices.
To begin with, nickel accounted for largest price changes in metal at 6% in January, but it was saw the dramatic decreased to 1% in March, nickel was continuously decreasing by June and reach a -3% in July. Copper had the second highest prices in metal at 2% in January, it was experienced fluctuation and copper was stood at -1.5 in June and March months. Zinc had the lowest percentage of price changes in metals, started with 1% in January month, then it reached on peak 3% in February month, it declined to -1% in June month.
In second half of the year, nickel increased to 1% in December month, before felling -2% in October. Copper surged to 2% in December month, before decreasing marginally. Zinc climbed to 1%, but then gradual fluctuated.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends. However, the overview is slightly confusing, as it claims all three increased towards the end of the year, which is not entirely supported by the data (e.g., zinc's fluctuation). The reporting of data points is sometimes inaccurate, such as stating nickel reached -3% in July when the graph shows a different value. While the main features are selected, the lack of precision in data reporting and the slightly inaccurate summary of trends prevent a higher band. To improve, ensure that data points are read carefully and that the overview captures the most significant general trends rather than listing specific movements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in [month] month'. There are also issues with logical progression; for instance, the transition between the first and second half of the year is abrupt. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which metal is being discussed in certain sentences. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus would enhance the flow of the writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for higher bands. There are several instances of awkward collocations and word choice errors, such as 'it was saw the dramatic decreased' and 'before felling -2%'. The repetition of basic verbs like 'increased' and 'decreased' limits the sophistication of the response. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and ensure that word forms (e.g., 'fell' vs 'felling') are used correctly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'nickel was continuously decreasing by June and reach a -3%' and 'copper was stood at -1.5'. Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are problematic throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and ensuring consistent verb tenses would significantly improve the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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