Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates the alternations in prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014 from January to December.

Overall, Nickel witnessed massive amount of decrease over the year, whereas both copper and zinc experienced fluctuations in 2014.

In january, copper price was standing at 2%, which declined steadily below 0% in the month of June. In contrast nickel accounted for 6% in january, however it reached -3% in June. In the same month, the prices of zinc was standing at 1%, and it increased by 3% in febreury but after that it also declined and reached -1% in June. In July, three of them experienced a slight increase.

In the month of August, copper price was at 1% and it remained the same in september too. On the other hand, Nickel price was at -1% in both month August and September respectively. The prices of zinc was below 0% in both month. After September, copper prices fell slightly and remained unchanged till November. In the month of December it almost reached 2%. Nickel price increased dramatically from -2% to 1%in November and remained the same till December. Zinc also reached 2% from -1% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all three metals and gives a general overview alongside specific details for 2014. Key features such as the overall downward trend for nickel and the fluctuations of copper and zinc are identified. However, there is a tendency to list figures chronologically without always highlighting the most significant overarching trends or comparisons effectively. For instance, the student writes, 'In january, copper price was standing at 2%, which declined steadily below 0% in the month of June.' While data points are present, the selection of information could be more synthesised to provide a sharper overview of the main trends. The summary is generally adequate but lacks fully developed comparative insights, placing it at Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is arranged into four paragraphs, which helps establish a logical structure following an introduction and an overview. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', and 'On the other hand' are employed to guide the reader through the data. However, referencing and transitions are at times mechanical or repetitive, as seen with the recurring use of 'In the month of...' and 'price was at'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, but the overall progression could be smoother to secure a higher band. Overall, the organisation is coherent enough to merit a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'fluctuations', 'declined steadily', and 'increased dramatically'. However, there are notable word choice and collocation issues, such as writing 'alternations' instead of 'alterations or fluctuations', 'massive amount of decrease', and spelling errors like 'january' (uncapitalized) and 'febreury'. The range is sufficient to communicate the main points, but inaccuracies in lexical control prevent it from reaching Band 7.0, making Band 6.0 a fair representation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'while both copper and zinc experienced fluctuations in 2014' and subordinate clauses involving time markers. There are several grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('the prices of zinc was standing'), missing articles ('In january', 'in both month'), and uncapitalized months. Despite these errors, they rarely impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the intended meaning. This balance of mixed structures and frequent minor errors aligns well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

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

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