Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The line chart illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.
Overall, nickel experienced the most significant fluctuations in monthly price changes throughout 2014, while copper and zinc showed comparatively moderate variations. In addition, all three metals experienced both increases and decreases during the period, with nickel generally showing the greatest volatility.
Looking first at the figure of nickel, the figure bottomed out at approximately -3 in June before increasing gradually to -1 in July, then it remained stable at around -1 between July and September; after which, it fell gradually to -2 in October before increasing moderately to 1 by the end of the period. Regarding the zinc, it increased reasonably from 1 to 3 between January and February, before falling from 3 to around -1, then it grew slightly to approximately -0.50 in July; after which, it remained stable at -0.50 between July and September, before climbing to nearly 2 by the end of the period.
Turning to the copper, the figure showed some fluctuations from 2 to 1 between January and July before remaining stable at 1 from July to September, then it showed ups and downs to around 1.50 by the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response successfully covers all parts of the task by providing an overview of the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three metals. The student presents a clear overall trend in the second paragraph, highlighting that nickel experienced the greatest volatility while copper and zinc showed more moderate variations. Specific data points are selected and reported appropriately throughout the body paragraphs, such as nickel bottoming out at approximately -3 in June and zinc increasing to nearly 2 by the end of the period. The reporting is accurate according to the provided graph, and key features are well-selected without unnecessary details. Therefore, the response fulfills the requirements of Task Achievement at a high level.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory statement, followed by an overview paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs for each metal. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'Regarding the', and 'Turning to the' are used to guide the reader through the data, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure (e.g., 'after which'). Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different elements of the chart. While referencing is generally clear, the heavy reliance on similar introductory phrases for each body paragraph prevents the cohesion from feeling entirely natural or flexible, placing it firmly in the Band 7 category.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe data trends effectively. Appropriate vocabulary items are utilized, such as 'significant fluctuations', 'moderate variations', 'bottomed out', 'increased gradually', and 'remaining stable'. There are attempts to use less common phrasing, which mostly succeed. However, there are minor awkwardness issues in word choice or collocation, such as 'Regarding the zinc, it increased reasonably' where 'reasonably' is not the most natural adverb for describing numerical change (e.g., 'considerably' or 'moderately' would be better). Overall, the vocabulary is adequate for clear communication, but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating dependent clauses and time markers successfully. Grammatical control is generally good, with frequent error-free sentences, such as 'The line chart illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.' However, there are minor structural issues and punctuation slips, particularly run-on sentences joined by commas instead of proper conjunctions or semicolons, as seen in 'Regarding the zinc, it increased reasonably from 1 to 3 between January and February, before falling from 3 to around -1, then it grew slightly...' These minor structural slips keep the grammar score at a solid Band 6.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.