Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line chart delineates the mean monthly fluctuations in the prices of three different types of metals, copper, zinc, and nickel, throughout the year 2024.
Overall, the price of nickel dropped significantly over the period, whereas the other two metals experienced ups and downs, but remained at the same level at the end of the year.
At the beginning of 2024, nickel was the most expensive metal, with the 6 percent rise in the price. However, it saw a significant drop in its price from January to March, dropping to 1 percent only. Regarding zinc, it saw a small rise from 1% to 3% in the first 2 month, followed by a decrease in the next 4 months. Copper price decreased gradually till March.
From July to September, the prices of all metals leveled off: copper at 2 %, nickel at -2%, and zinc at just below 0%. From October onwards, the prices of Ni and Z rose noticeably, at 1% and 2%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student successfully covers the main features of the chart, providing an overview and selecting relevant data points to report and compare. The introductory statement correctly identifies the subject matter, and the overview captures the general trends, noting that nickel dropped significantly while the other two metals finished at the same level. Key details such as the starting points, fluctuations, and the stabilization period between July and September are reported. However, there are minor inaccuracies in data interpretation, such as stating that zinc rose from 1% to 3% in the first two months when the chart shows fluctuations, and referring to the year 2024 instead of 2014. Despite these minor points, all parts of the prompt are addressed adequately, fitting the criteria for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is arranged coherently with a logical overall progression. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and specific body details. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'At the beginning of 2024', and 'From July to September' are employed to guide the reader through the data. However, referencing and cohesion occasionally feel somewhat mechanical, and the abrupt transition into specific data points without smoother linking devices keeps this criterion at a solid Band 6.5. Information flows reasonably well, and the logical structure ensures the reader can follow the comparisons easily.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common items such as 'delineates', 'fluctuations', and 'leveled off'. There are, however, some awkward collocations and imprecise word choices, such as 'dropping to 1 percent only' and abbreviations like 'Ni and Z' instead of spelling out the metal names. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication. The lexical range is sufficient to convey the main trends, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing introductory adverbial clauses effectively (e.g., 'At the beginning of 2024, nickel was...'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'with the 6 percent rise in the price' (unnecessary article 'the') and 'in the first 2 month' (missing plural 'months'). Punctuation is generally sound, and the errors do not impede communication. Because there is a reasonable mix of structures with mostly accurate simple sentences and controlled complex attempts, a band score of 6.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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