Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-16

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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the fluctuation in prices of three metals on a monthly basis by comparing with the last month.

In the start of year in january price for nickel sharply increased by 6% than previous month and it has a major change in prices but in copper and zinc have light change in their prices by 2 and 3 % respectively.

But over the next months the prices for nickel daramatically declined as we can see in june prices fell down by -3% for nickel but for zinc and copper we can see the slight changes in prices.

By the end of year prices for nickel again got raised by 1% as in february and march and followed by copper and zinc with little change as well. Over the year there is no big difference in the price change for zinc and copper but for nickel had high fluctuation month to month.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student attempts to summarise the main features of the line graph, identifying general trends such as nickel's high volatility compared to the relatively stable changes in copper and zinc prices. However, there are notable omissions and inaccuracies in reporting the data. For instance, the student states that in June prices fell down by -3% for nickel, which correctly identifies the data point, but other figures are generalized vaguely, such as 'light change in their prices by 2 and 3%' for January. Furthermore, the overview lacks precision and the progression over the full 12 months is not fully detailed. Overall, the response addresses the prompt partially, fitting the Band 5 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into four paragraphs, attempting to follow a chronological structure from January through the middle of the year to the end. However, the logical progression is hindered by poor transitions and awkward linking words like 'In the start of year in january' and 'But over the next months'. Cohesive devices are used mechanically and sometimes inaccurately, and referencing is occasionally unclear (e.g., dangling modifiers and unclear pronoun antecedents). Paragraphing is present, but internal cohesion is weak. This level of organisation aligns with a Band 5 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, frequently relying on simple terms like 'prices', 'changes', and 'high'. There are noticeable attempts at less common vocabulary such as 'daramatically' (misspelled dramatically) and 'fluctuation', but word choice and collocation are frequently awkward, as seen in phrases like 'light change' instead of 'slight change' or 'got raised'. Spelling errors ('daramatically') and morphological issues ('in january price') cause some distraction for the reader. The lexical range is minimally adequate for the task, earning a Band 5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response exhibits a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple sentences and faulty attempts at complex clauses. There are frequent grammatical errors, including missing articles ('in january price for nickel'), incorrect prepositions ('in the start of year'), and run-on structures ('...prices for nickel sharply increased by 6% than previous month and it has a major change...'). Punctuation is also weak, with a lack of proper comma usage for introductory phrases. These persistent errors frequently cause difficulty for the reader, placing this response firmly in Band 5.

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

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