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% in June month, it increased to 1% in December in month.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the description of the second half of the year contains inaccuracies, such as stating zinc climbed to -1% in June, which contradicts the earlier mention of it being -1% in June. Additionally, the summary of the trends is slightly confusing, as the description of the 'end of the year' does not fully align with the provided data points. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in reporting the data points and the contradictory statements prevent a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the repetitive use of 'in month' or the awkward transition 'it was experienced fluctuation'. The progression of ideas is occasionally hindered by these awkward phrasings and the lack of clear logical flow between sentences. While the overall arrangement is coherent enough to follow the general narrative, the referencing is sometimes unclear, and the links between sentences could be more sophisticated and varied to improve the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'it was saw the dramatic decreased' and 'reached on peak'. The student relies on basic descriptive language and struggles with the correct terminology for reporting statistical trends. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequent errors in word form and collocation indicate a limited control over the vocabulary required for a higher band. More precise terms like 'fluctuated', 'peaked', and 'declined' are used, but often with grammatical errors.
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. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('it was saw'), missing articles, and subject-verb agreement errors ('copper was stood at'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary commas and run-on sentences. While the errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to be distracting and demonstrate a lack of control over complex structures. To improve, the student should focus on basic sentence construction and ensuring that verb forms are used correctly in the context of describing past trends.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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