Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-06

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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates average monthly change in the prices of three metal named -copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014.

Overall, Nickel showed fluctuation having highest price in the beginning and lowest price at the end. Meanwhile, copper remained second most expensive metal throughout the time period. In contrary, zinc declined before going up.

In January, Nickel demonstrated the highest of 6%, following 2% copper stood on second and only 1% by zinc. By february, zinc increased noticeably 3% , then, reduced slightly for each month till June, reaching its lowest -1% and remained steady for next four months. After this point, it jumped substantially, reaching 2% in December.

Meanwhile, Copper hovered around 1%, starting from 2% in January, declined slightly below 0 in June before a recover in July, after July, it remained stead and finished off at above 1 percent.

In the first half of the period, nickel experienced s sharp drop, starting from 6% and ending at -3, In July, grew -2% and remain same triple monthI. during October it increased sharply, reaching at 1%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview and identifies key trends for all three metals. You successfully highlighted the main features, such as Nickel's volatility and the general movements of copper and zinc. However, the report lacks precision in some areas; for example, describing the data as 'second most expensive' is slightly inaccurate as the graph tracks 'monthly change' in percentages, not absolute price levels. Additionally, some data points are described vaguely, such as 'grew -2%'. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data descriptions are mathematically accurate and clearly linked to the specific months provided in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile', 'In contrary', and 'After this point' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by mechanical phrasing and some awkward transitions. For instance, 'In contrary' should be 'In contrast', and the connection between sentences in the final paragraph is somewhat disjointed. Paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs could be more fluid to ensure a smoother progression of ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'substantially', and 'remained steady'. However, there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'three metal named' (should be 'three metals, namely') and 'finished off at' (which is slightly informal). There are also minor spelling and typographical errors, such as 'february' (needs capitalization) and 'triple monthI'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure consistent capitalization and spelling throughout your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Issues include missing articles ('the highest of 6%'), incorrect preposition usage ('stood on second'), and subject-verb agreement errors ('nickel experienced s sharp drop'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement and capitalization. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and sentence structure will help elevate your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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