Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-12

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 average monthly change in the prices of three different metals like copper, nickle and zinc during 2014.

Overall, price of all three metals fluctuated throughout the year. Price of nickel dropped considerably while there was slight changes in the price of other two metals.

In the beginning of the year, nickle was most expensive metal and in just couple of month it dropped to 1% which further dropped to -3% in June. It slightly rose to -1% between July and September and price was dropped to -2% in October. Meanwhile, in November and December there was 1% change in the price compared to previous month.

On the other hand, price of zinc changed with 3% in February reaching its peak point in the year later price dropped and changed with -1% in July. After October price started to increase and there was 2% changes in price compared with previous month. Similarly, price of copper also fluctuated through out the year. In the end of the year there was 1.8% change in the price of copper.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student covers all three metals depicted in the graph and attempts to report key features and comparisons throughout 2014. However, the interpretation of the percentages is somewhat confused, often misinterpreting monthly percentage change figures as absolute values or absolute prices (e.g., stating that 'nickle was most expensive metal and in just couple of month it dropped to 1%'). While an overview is provided, the data is not fully synthesized, leading to a response that falls into Band 5 for partially addressing the task requirements and showing limitations in accurately reporting the data trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The text is structured into four paragraphs, including a brief introduction and an overall summary. However, the logical progression is hindered by awkward transitions and unclear referencing. For instance, the transition 'On the other hand' is used loosely to introduce zinc and copper without establishing a clear contrast. Cohesive devices are repetitive or sometimes inaccurate, such as 'Similarly' connecting disparate trends. Paragraphing is present, but overall progression lacks clarity due to confusing data reporting, placing this response firmly in Band 5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, featuring basic terms such as 'fluctuated', 'dropped', 'rose', and 'peak point'. However, there are noticeable spelling errors ('nickle' instead of 'nickel') and imprecise word choices regarding statistical data reporting (e.g., 'price changed with 3%'). The range of vocabulary is limited and minimally adequate, struggling to express precise changes and trends. These lexical limitations and errors restrict the score to Band 5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Price of nickel dropped considerably while there was slight changes in the price of other two metals.' However, grammatical accuracy is weak, with frequent errors including subject-verb agreement ('there was slight changes') and missing articles ('Price of all three metals'). Complex structures are often faulty or awkward, and preposition use is occasionally incorrect ('change in price compared with previous month'). These persistent errors place the grammar in Band 5.

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

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