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 compares the variations in rates of three metals namely copper, nickel, and zinc during 2014. The changes are measured in percentages.

Overall, it is evident that all three metals showed fluctuations during whole year. The nickel experienced the significant fall in the prices at the end as compare to the start of the year, while zinc recorded the slight growth over the period. Additionally, cooper remained almost unchanged at the end of the year.

In January, the rates of copper, nickel, and zinc were 2%, 6%, and 1% respectively. The percentage of the price of copper and nickel dipped to around 1% and 4%, while the proportion of zinc rose to 3% in Feburary. Subsequently, the prices of all three metals reduced to approximately -1.5% of copper, -3% of nickel and -1% of zinc in June.

In July, the rates of copper, nickel and zinc reached at around 1%, -1%, and -1.5% respectively. At the end of the year, the proportion of copper was nearly 1.5%, nickel was at 1% and zinc was at 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the trends and selects key data points to illustrate the changes in metal prices. You successfully identified the main features, such as the fluctuations throughout the year and the final positions of the three metals. However, the report could be improved by ensuring the data points selected are more accurate; for instance, the description of the trends in February and June contains some inaccuracies when compared to the provided graph. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data reported is precise and that the comparisons between the metals are more explicitly linked to the overall trends observed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the data. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Subsequently', and 'In July' helps to guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the connection between the overview and the specific data points could be tightened to ensure a more seamless flow of information throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends, such as 'variations', 'fluctuations', 'significant fall', and 'slight growth'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'the nickel experienced the significant fall' (should be 'a significant fall') and 'cooper' (spelling error). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise terminology for describing trends—such as 'marginal increase', 'sharp decline', or 'remained relatively stable'—would enhance the sophistication of your writing and help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('the nickel', 'the copper') and minor punctuation or prepositional issues, such as 'reached at around' (should be 'reached around'). The sentence structures are functional, but there is a lack of more advanced grammatical variety. To improve, focus on reducing these small errors and incorporating a wider range of complex structures, such as participial phrases or relative clauses, to improve the overall fluency and accuracy of your writing.

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

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