Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17
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 5.5)
The multiple line graph tracks the monthly change in prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.
Overall, nickel accounted for the most substantial change over the period while, the slight fluctuating trend is followed by copper in 2014.
Initially, beginning with the zinc having only 1% change in cost, rising slightly to 3%, dropping to -1% and levelled off at about -1.75% before climbing again up to 2% at D. And copper started at 2%, subsequently steady fall is observed, remain stable at about 1% before recovering to almost 1.75% .
In contrast, a notable sharp decline is observed in nickel trend from 6% to 1% followed by further reduction to -3%, remain constant at around -1% before rising up to 1% and remain steady. These copper and nickel are slightly overlapped at point N.
The line graph shows significant changes in prices of metals per month, with nickel experiencing a major shift while the other two fluctuate slightly.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three metals. An overview is provided at the beginning and reiterated at the end, identifying nickel as experiencing the most substantial change while copper and zinc fluctuated more mildly. Key data points are generally accurate, such as nickel starting at 6% and dropping to -3%, and copper starting around 2%. However, some descriptions are slightly imprecise or colloquial, such as referring to December as 'D' and describing trends with incomplete data points. Nonetheless, the core information of the chart is covered adequately, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged coherently with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for the data, and a concluding overview. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'Initially', and 'In contrast'. However, referencing and paragraph flow are sometimes mechanical or awkward, as seen in sentences like 'These copper and nickel are slightly overlapped at point N.' The logical progression is occasionally disrupted by dense chains of data points packed into single sentences without sufficient breathing room. Paragraphing is present, but internal cohesion could be smoother. This aligns with the descriptors for a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'substantial', 'fluctuating', 'subsequently', and 'decline'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and phrasing, such as 'the slight fluctuating trend is followed by copper', 'levelled off at about -1.75%', and 'These copper and nickel are slightly overlapped'. Additionally, repeating terms like 'remain steady' and 'remain stable' limits lexical flexibility. Communication is not impeded, but the control of less common vocabulary is inconsistent, making Band 6.0 an appropriate score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory participial clauses ('beginning with the zinc having...') and comparative structures. However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward structures throughout the text, including missing subjects or articles ('while, the slight fluctuating trend', 'starting at 2%, subsequently steady fall is observed'), and dangling modifiers. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. The errors do not impede overall communication, fitting the Band 6.0 criteria well.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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