Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-13

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 6.5)

The line chart illustrates the mean monthly alterations in the prices of Copper, Nickel, and Zinc in 2014.

Overall, over the 12-month period, while Nickel experienced a decline in prices, Copper and Zinc saw fluctuations.

Looking at the details, Nickel stood at 6% at the beginning of January 2014. Over the next five months, it displayed a major decline to a low of -3% in June, before recovering and reaching a point of 1% in December 2014.

Regarding Zinc and Copper, both metals recorded fluctuations throughout the period. Zinc started at 1% in January 2014, followed by an increase to a peak of 3% in February, before showing a general downward trend to a low of -1% in October. After that, the trend recovered and resulted in 2% at the end of the year. Copper followed a similar pattern; having started at 2%, it hovered from a high of 2% to a low of -1% throughout the period and finished at roughly 1.5% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the line chart for copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. An effective overview is provided, noting that nickel declined while copper and zinc fluctuated. Key data points are selected and appropriately highlighted, such as nickel starting at 6 percent and falling to -3 percent in June, alongside the trajectories of the other two metals. Comparisons are made where relevant, and the information is accurately extracted from the visual data. The response meets all requirements for Task Achievement at a Band 7 level, as it clearly presents a well-supported and comprehensive summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The report displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is divided into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and overall trend summary, followed by a detailed paragraph on nickel, and a final paragraph comparing zinc and copper. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data, as seen with transition phrases like 'Looking at the details', 'Over the next five months', and 'Regarding Zinc and Copper'. Referencing is clear and mechanical flaws are absent. Overall, the structural flow aligns well with the descriptors for a Band 7 score in Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using precise terms related to data trends such as 'mean monthly alterations', 'major decline', 'fluctuations', and 'downward trend'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, although a few choices could be slightly more natural, such as 'reaching a point of' instead of reaching a peak or specific level. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate and do not impede communication, comfortably placing this response in the Band 6.5 to 7 range. A Band 7 is awarded for the adequate flexibility demonstrated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including participial phrases such as 'having started at 2%' and subordinate clauses like 'before showing a general downward trend'. Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences throughout the text. Punctuation is handled well, and the minor mechanical issues or slightly awkward phrasing (e.g., 'resulted in 2% at the end of the year') do not impede communication. The variety of structures and overall accuracy support a solid Band 7 rating.

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