Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

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

in terms of the graph we can see that nickel had to most rising in price at the beginning of the year, dipping dramatically in June to reach a lower rate than starting, at the end of the year. In contrast, copper and nickel witnessed a steady trend throughout the the year.

Looking at the graph in more detail, the price of nickel had the most changes in price during the year. starting from 6% it dipped to 3% decrease in price in June and by the end of the year it settle to 1%. The substantial fluctuation in prices is not seen in any other metals,

In contrast zinc and copper started their price-hike at 1% and 2%, respectively. in February, zinc reached to a 3% peak which was it's highest figure in the year. Then, it diminished to a -1% in June, finally, ending to a 2% rise in December. Conversely, copper didn't witnessed as many changes in prices through

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the volatility of nickel and the trends for copper and zinc. However, the report is incomplete as the final sentence is cut off mid-thought, and the description of copper is left unfinished. While the overview is present, the lack of completion significantly impacts the task achievement. To improve, ensure all data points are fully described and the summary is brought to a logical conclusion. The comparison between metals is attempted, but the incomplete nature of the final paragraph prevents a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'in terms of the graph' and 'in contrast zinc and copper'. The progression of ideas is interrupted by the unfinished final sentence, which leaves the reader without a clear conclusion. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the trends more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with attempts at descriptive language like 'dipping dramatically', 'substantial fluctuation', and 'price-hike'. However, there are several inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'had to most rising' (should be 'had the most significant rise') and 'settle to 1%' (should be 'settled at 1%'). These errors do not impede communication, but they demonstrate a limited range of precise vocabulary. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and noun phrases would help elevate the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, including punctuation issues (e.g., 'in terms of the graph we can see'), subject-verb agreement ('copper and nickel witnessed a steady trend'—which contradicts the graph), and incorrect prepositions ('reached to a 3% peak'). The unfinished sentence at the end also leaves a grammatical fragment. To reach a higher band, focus on consistent verb tense usage and proofreading for basic errors in sentence construction.

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

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