Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-07

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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the monthly change in metals which are copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, initially the nickel was at significantly level, and drop dramatically for half year, whereas zinc increased at start and gradually fall after first month. However, the price of copper fluctuated throughout the period.

Nickel price was a highest among all other metal, but drop dramatically until June, whereas zinc initially grew, also drop significantly until June. Nickel increased gradually for one month, remained stable for three year before increasing to 1% price hike at the end of period.

Similarly, zinc also followed nickel and showed similar trend and reached 2% price hike at the end of period. On other side, copper was initially at 2% hike, but gradually decreased until

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the task. While you have identified the main features of the graph, the analysis is incomplete; the final sentence is cut off mid-thought, and the description of the trends is somewhat repetitive and lacks precision. To improve, ensure you provide a comprehensive overview and support all claims with specific data points from the graph. The under-length nature of the response means that the task is only partially addressed, as the final section of the data is not described at all.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive start. However, the logical progression is hindered by the incomplete final sentence and some awkward transitions. While you use cohesive devices like 'whereas' and 'similarly', their application is sometimes mechanical or inaccurate, such as the phrase 'on other side' which is non-standard. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the three metals. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, finished focus will help improve your score in this area.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors like 'significantly level' (which is grammatically incorrect) and 'drop dramatically'. There is a lack of variety in your reporting verbs and nouns. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained constant'. Additionally, ensure that your word choices are grammatically sound, as phrases like 'at significantly level' impede the clarity of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'initially the nickel was at significantly level' (incorrect adjective/adverb usage) and 'remained stable for three year' (missing plural). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the punctuation is inconsistent. The unfinished final sentence also contributes to a lack of grammatical control. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that your sentences are complete and grammatically accurate before moving on to more complex structures.

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

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