Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-11
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 graph illustrates the average monthly fluctuation in the prices of Copper, Nickle and zinc.
Overall, prices of the nickel were considerably higher in January, in the previous month. It dramatically dropped in March and remained stable in April. The prices of zinc kept fluctuating from January to March in the same month. On the other hand, relatively copper was the lowest priced in the later month.
In contrast, the prices of the zinc rose about 2 percent, which was the highest in that particular month. It is quite evident from the given graph that the prices of the nickel dropped substantially and as compared to the former month it fell from 6 to only 1% now.
On the other hand, prices of cooper kept fluctuating, it was at about -1.5 % in January and rose up to almost 1.5%. The lowest priced metal this month was nickel but it gradually experienced an increase in the prices and went up to 1%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the graph but fails to provide a clear, accurate overview of the data. The description of trends is often confusing or factually inconsistent with the provided graph (e.g., stating nickel dropped in March when the graph shows a different pattern). The report lacks a logical selection of key features, and the comparisons are vague or inaccurate. The information is presented in a way that makes it difficult for the reader to grasp the overall trends for the three metals. To improve, focus on identifying the most significant peaks and troughs and describing them with precise data points rather than general, sometimes contradictory, statements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is often disjointed. Cohesive devices are used, but they are frequently mechanical or misused, such as 'On the other hand' appearing multiple times in ways that do not logically contrast the preceding information. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to follow which metal or time period is being discussed. The lack of a clear, cohesive structure between sentences hinders the flow of the report. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are several spelling errors, such as 'Nickle' (Nickel) and 'cooper' (copper), which detract from the professional tone required for an Academic Task 1. While some attempts are made to use descriptive language like 'fluctuation' and 'substantially', the overall usage is not precise enough to convey the data accurately. To reach a higher band, focus on using more varied and accurate terminology related to trends (e.g., 'plummeted', 'fluctuated', 'remained steady') and ensure consistent, correct spelling of the subject matter.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect article usage (e.g., 'the nickel', 'the zinc'), subject-verb agreement errors, and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'relatively copper was the lowest priced'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like articles and verb tenses will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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