Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly percentage changes in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014, compared with previous month.

Overall, all three metals experienced considerable fluctuations throughout 2014, although nickel was far more volatile than the other two. Zinc followed a broadly similar pattern to copper but experienced more pronounced changes.

To start with nickel, it had the highest opening in January with a 6% increase, after which it fell sharpy to 4% in February and then around 1% in March and remained in the same range for a month. The figure plunged to a low of -3% in June. It recovered subsequently to -1% in July and remained roughly at this level till September, before dipping again to -2% in October. However, its prices rebounded considerably in the final two months, ending the year at just 1%.

Copper and zinc showed comparatively moderate fluctuations. Copper fell from 2% in January to around -0.5% in June, before recovering to about 1% in July and September and ending at roughly 1%. Zinc, meanwhile, rose initially, reaching its peak of 3% in February, but then declined steadily to around -1% in October. It subsequently recovered sharply, finishing the year at 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main features and trends of the three metals. You have successfully highlighted the volatility of nickel compared to the more stable copper and zinc. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the data. You have selected key data points to support your descriptions, such as the peak for nickel in January and the low for copper in June. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully explicit; for instance, you could more directly contrast the specific range of fluctuations between the metals to further demonstrate the 'comparative' aspect of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the specific trends of the metals. Cohesive devices such as 'To start with', 'meanwhile', and 'subsequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the highly volatile nickel from the more moderate copper and zinc. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is coherent and supports the overall summary well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends, such as 'volatile', 'plunged', 'rebounded', and 'moderate fluctuations'. The use of these terms is generally accurate and adds precision to your report. There is a minor spelling error ('sharpy' instead of 'sharply'), but this does not impede communication. You show an ability to use less common lexical items effectively. To improve, try to incorporate more varied collocations related to statistical trends to further enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses in 'Although nickel was far more volatile...' and 'Copper fell from 2%... before recovering to...'. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over tense and punctuation is strong. There are very few grammatical slips, and the meaning is always clear. The use of comparative structures is accurate. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice or participle phrases, to increase the flexibility of your writing.

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

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