Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The given line chart illustrates information in 2014, about the average changes in the charges in comparison with the previous month of three different metallic elements.

Overall, сopper was the metal with the most stable pattern compared with others. Whereas nickel experienced significant changes over the months.

In January, copper saw a 2% price change, compared with 6% for nickel. By contrast, zinc had the smallest change, at just over 1%. By the end of the month, copper had declined to about 1%, while nickel had fallen dramatically to just over 4% and zinc to 2%. In March, copper had decreased to over 0.5%, while nickel had more than halved to about 1% and zinc had dropped to 2%. In April, copper and nickel did not face any changes, while zinc had decreased to just over 1.5%. After that, all three metals fell steadily, copper to just below -0.5%, nickel to over 0.5%, and zinc to 1.5%. In June, nickel and zinc had fallen significantly to over -3% and -1% respectively, while copper remained unchanged.

In July, the three metals rose, with nickel increasing sharply to -1%, copper to 1%, and zinc to about -0.5%. By contrast, all three metals did not face any changes until September. In October, nickel fell sharply to just about -2%, zinc to -1%, and copper to over 0.5%. By the end of the month, nickel and zinc increased dramatically to over 1% and 1.5% respectively, while copper remained unchanged. In December, nickel did not face any changes, while zinc grown to 2%, and copper to about 1.3%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview and covers the main features of the graph. You successfully identified the general trends and made relevant comparisons between the three metals. However, the report is overly descriptive, listing data points month-by-month rather than grouping information to highlight key trends or significant fluctuations. While you mention the 'most stable' and 'significant changes', the analysis could be more analytical by focusing on the peaks, troughs, and overall trajectory rather than a chronological play-by-play. This approach is sufficient for a Band 6.5, but to reach a higher band, you should focus on synthesising the data more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'by contrast', and 'after that' to link ideas. However, the progression within paragraphs feels somewhat mechanical due to the repetitive structure of listing data points. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the timeline, which helps the reader follow the narrative. To improve, try to vary the way you introduce comparisons and ensure that the transition between months feels more fluid rather than just a list of sequential events.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information, using terms like 'declined', 'fallen dramatically', 'halved', and 'remained unchanged'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'charges' instead of 'prices' and 'metallic elements' which is slightly wordy for this context. You also use 'grown' incorrectly in the final sentence ('zinc grown to 2%'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the precision and sophisticated collocation required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and adverbs would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'zinc grown to 2%' (should be 'zinc grew') and 'all three metals did not face any changes' (which is slightly awkward phrasing). Punctuation is generally accurate, and the errors present do not impede communication. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your tense usage is consistent when describing past data. Increasing the variety of complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses, would help demonstrate greater control.

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

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