Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph compares the monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinc relative to the previous month throughout 2014.

Overall, all three metals experienced considerable volatility during the year, with nickel showing the sharpest fluctuations of the three. Despite this volatility, all three metals ended the year on a modestly positive note, with percentage changes converging between 1% and 2% by December.

Nickel began the year with the sharpest change of the three metals, rising by 6% in January before falling steadily to around 1% by March and April. It continued to decline, reaching its lowest point of the year at -3% in June, before recovering to around -1% between July and September. After dropping again to -2% in October, nickel rebounded sharply, ending the year at approximately 1% in November and December.

Zinc followed a somewhat different pattern, rising from 1% to a peak of 3% in February, before declining steadily to around -1% by June. It then recovered gradually, reaching roughly -0.5% by September, before rising markedly over the final months to reach around 2% by December.

Copper showed comparatively milder fluctuations throughout the year. After starting at 2% in January, it declined gradually to around -0.5% by May and June, before stabilising in negative territory until August. It then rose steadily over the remaining months, ending the year at approximately 1-2%

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student provides a well-developed and accurate overview of the main trends shown in the graph. The response successfully covers all three metals (copper, nickel, and zinc) and accurately reports key features, such as nickel's volatility with a peak of 6% in January and a trough of -3% in June, zinc's progression from 1% to 3% before dipping, and copper's milder fluctuations ending between 1% and 2%. The comparisons are relevant and well-integrated into the body paragraphs. The data cited aligns very closely with the visual reference. The response satisfies all requirements of Academic Task 1, demonstrating a fully developed and clear response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with a clear introductory paraphrase, followed by a well-crafted overview paragraph that captures the general trends. Each subsequent paragraph is dedicated to a specific metal (nickel, zinc, and copper respectively), ensuring a clear logical progression. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and unobtrusively, such as 'Despite this volatility', 'After starting at 2%', and 'It then recovered gradually'. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student displays a wide and flexible lexical resource appropriate for an academic report. Words and phrases like 'considerable volatility', 'sharpest fluctuations', 'converging', 'declining steadily', and 'rebounded sharply' demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary related to trend analysis. Collocations are natural and accurate. While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary choice remains appropriate and precise rather than overly ambitious or forced, comfortably meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

A wide variety of complex sentence structures is used accurately throughout the response. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing excellent control of subordinate clauses, participial phrases ('After starting at 2% in January...', 'After dropping again...'), and tense consistency. Punctuation is accurate, and punctuation marks are handled securely. Grammatical control is strong, with only minor slips entirely absent; the minor punctuation omission at the very end of the final sentence does not impede communication.

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