Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly changes in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc during 2014, compared with the previous month.

Overall, it is clear that nickel experienced the most noticeable changes throughout the year, while copper showed relatively small fluctuations. Nickel started with a sharp increase but later reached its lowest point in June. By contrast, zinc and copper remained comparatively stable and both ended the year with an increase.

Regarding nickel, its price increased by approximately 6% in January, which was the highest figure shown on the graph. However, this figure fell sharply to around 4% in February and then dropped further to about 1% in March and April. It decreased again to roughly 0.5% in May before reaching its lowest point of approximately -3% in June. After that, the figure recovered to around -1% from July to September, before falling slightly to about -2% in October. Finally, it rose considerably to approximately 1% in November and remained at around the same level in December.

As for copper, the figure was around 2% in January and then declined gradually to approximately 1% in February. It fell further to about 0.5% in March and April. The figure then decreased slightly to around -0.5% in May and June. However, it increased to approximately 1% in July and remained at around this level until September. After falling slightly to about 0.5% in October and November, it rose to roughly 1.5% in December.

In terms of zinc, the price change stood at around 1% in January and increased to approximately 3% in February. It then decreased steadily, reaching about 2% in March and roughly 1.5% in April. The figure fell further to around 1% in May and approximately -1% in June. It then remained slightly below zero until September, before falling to around -1% again in October. Finally, zinc showed a significant recovery, reaching approximately 1.5% in November and 2% in December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the monthly price changes for copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. A clear, well-developed overview is presented in the second paragraph, highlighting the contrasting volatility of nickel against the relative stability of copper and zinc. Specific data points, such as nickel starting at 6% in January and hitting its lowest point of approximately -3% in June, are accurately cited and compared. The selection of data is well-balanced across all three categories, fulfilling the requirements of a Band 8 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically sequenced and easy to follow. Each metal is given its own dedicated paragraph in the body, which ensures a clear logical progression throughout the text. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'Regarding nickel', 'By contrast', 'After that', 'As for copper'), and referencing is well managed. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and contributes to the overall clarity and readability of the essay, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task 1 report, utilizing effective lexical items such as 'fluctuations', 'comparatively stable', 'declined gradually', and 'significant recovery'. Word choices and collocations are generally precise, with only very occasional minor inaccuracies. The use of functional reporting language is natural and sophisticated, allowing the student to convey precise trends without awkward repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

A wide variety of complex sentence structures is used effectively throughout the text, including subordinate clauses and comparative constructions (e.g., 'while copper showed relatively small fluctuations', 'which was the highest figure shown on the graph'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is strong. Minor errors are virtually absent, demonstrating a high level of grammatical accuracy consistent with a Band 8 descriptor.

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

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