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)
This illustration gives information about the random monthly change in the rate of different type of metals in 2014.
It is quite evident from the graph that the monthly rate change as compared the previous rate of the Copper and Zinc in 2014. In the month of the January the random change of the rate was 2 percent of Copper and 1 percent of Zinc after this month the monthly difference was continually decreased until the June arrived and in this month the change was -1.8 percent. After that the percent was increased until the December at the end of this year the changed was almost 2 percent of Copper and 2 percent of Zinc.
Furthermore, this also give information about the rate change of Nickel during 2014. At the starting month of the year the rate change was 6 percent as compared the previous. Suddenly this change was continually decreased and at the end of the June this change was -3 percent. After that the change was again increased and reached 1 percent in the month of December.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all three metals and identifies key trends such as the fluctuations and the mid-year lows. However, the overview is weak; it lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the overall volatility of Nickel compared to the relative stability of Copper and Zinc. The description of data points is sometimes imprecise, such as describing the January start for Copper as '2 percent' when the graph shows a different value. To improve, ensure you provide a clear, concise overview of the main trends in the introduction or immediately following it, and double-check the accuracy of the data points cited from the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'After that', 'Furthermore'). The progression of ideas is logical, moving from Copper and Zinc to Nickel, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'at the end of this year the changed was almost 2 percent', which lacks a clear subject. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence clearly refers back to the previous one would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several awkward phrasings, such as 'random monthly change' and 'the changed was almost 2 percent'. The word choice is often repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'increased' and 'decreased'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'dipped', or 'remained stable'. Additionally, ensure that nouns and verbs are used correctly in context to avoid grammatical inaccuracies that stem from word-choice errors.
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. Examples include 'different type of metals' (should be plural), 'as compared the previous rate' (missing 'to'), and 'the changed was' (incorrect word form). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with missing commas in complex sentences. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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