Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-14

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 7.0)

The line graph compares the average monthly price fluctuation of three different metals, namely copper, nickel and zinc, in 2014.

Overall, it can be seen that the percentage change in price of nickel was the highest during the first month and the lowest at the end of the year, whereas the percentage change of copper was the lowest at the beginning and ended up at the greatest change as compared to the previous month.

Looking at the percentage changes of nickel, starting from 6% in January, decreased significantly to -3% in June followed by the substantial rise to 1% during the month of November and afterwards remained the same.

Notably, the change in percentage of copper started from 2%, decreased gradually to just below 0% by May, remained stable for one month before rising to 1%, afterwards it stayed there for the next three months and rose slightly to just over 1% by the end of the year.

In addition, although zinc contained the lowest percentage change initially which was 1%, it rose to 3% before decreasing steadily to -1% by June. Its figure went up in October from -1% to almost 1.5% and rose minimally to 2% at the end of 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully satisfies all the requirements of Academic Task 1. The candidate accurately identifies the main overall trends and features of the line graph, noting how copper, nickel, and zinc fluctuated throughout 2014. Key comparisons are effectively made, such as contrasting nickel starting at its highest point with copper reaching its greatest change at the end of the year. The data points cited in the body paragraphs reflect the visual information accurately. While the summary overview effectively highlights the principal trajectory of each metal, providing a slightly more integrated comparative perspective could elevate the response further. Overall, the task is fully and competently addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is divided into appropriate paragraphs, with a distinct introduction, an overall overview, and individual body paragraphs dedicated to each metal. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to connect ideas, such as "whereas", "starting from", "notably", and "in addition". However, some mechanical or slightly repetitive transitions are used, and referencing could occasionally be smoother. Paragraphing is used effectively to frame the content, and the reader can easily follow the progression of the data comparisons from month to month.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The candidate displays a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing appropriate reporting verbs and descriptive adverbs, such as "fluctuation", "decrease significantly", "substantial rise", and "remain stable". There is some awareness of collocation and style with phrases like "percentage change" and "end of the year". While the vocabulary is adequate and allows for clear communication, it occasionally leans on standard descriptive phrasing rather than demonstrating a wider, more flexible range of less common lexical items. Minor word choice imperfections exist, but they do not impede comprehension at all.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating participial phrases and subordinate clauses effectively, such as in the sentence starting with "starting from 6% in January, decreased significantly..." and "although zinc contained the lowest percentage change...". There is a good degree of control over punctuation and grammar, with numerous error-free sentences. A few minor structural awkwardnesses occur, such as dangling modifiers (e.g., "starting from 6% in January, decreased significantly..."), but these slips do not impede overall communication. The grammatical control is solid and reflects a sound grasp of sentence mechanics.

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