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 given graph illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of copper, zinc and nickel. The data pertains to the year 2014. Overall, the graph represents that nickel has the highest change in price at around, 6% in the month of January and reached to 1% at the end of the year, while zinc has the lowest change in price at approximately, 1% in the month of January and reached to 2% in month of December.
On a cursory look, it becomes evident that all the three metals have undergone a significant change. Furthermore, zinc has the highest change in price in the month of January at nearly, 6% while, in the middle of the year it had a dramatic change in price at almost -3% and by the month of December it reached to 1%. Similarly, copper has minor fluctuations of 2% in the start of the year and decreased to almost 0.5% in the month of May and June with time it decreased to approximately, 1.5% in December.
In comparison, the graph depicts one metal that fluctuated throughout the year for instance, zinc had 1% change in price in the month of January and it raised to 3% in month of feburary, on the one hand, it decreased again to 1% in May and reached to -1% in June, on the other hand, at the end of the year it reached to 2%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the graph, identifying the year (2014) and providing data points for nickel, zinc, and copper. However, there are significant data errors and confusion regarding the values. For instance, the student states that nickel started at around 6% in January and reached 1% in December, which is generally correct, but then confuses nickel and zinc later in the response, stating that 'zinc has the highest change in price in the month of January at nearly, 6%'. The visual data shows that nickel peaked at 6% in January, whereas zinc was at 1%. Furthermore, the overview is rather weak, focusing on specific isolated data points rather than overarching trends. Overall, the response addresses the prompt but contains factual inaccuracies in reporting the data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is divided into three paragraphs, providing a basic structural framework with an introduction and body paragraphs. However, logical progression is flawed due to confusion in data referencing and poor paragraph organisation. Cohesive devices are used awkwardly or inaccurately, such as 'On a cursory look, it becomes evident' and 'on the one hand... on the other hand,' which are misapplied here given that the data points are multiple series rather than two contrasting arguments. Referencing is also sometimes unclear, which hampers the smooth flow of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for a basic summary, incorporating terms such as 'illustrates', 'fluctuations', and 'percentage'. However, there is a limited range of less common lexical items, and some awkward phrasing or word choices appear, such as 'highest change in price' and 'reached to 1%' (where 'reached 1%' is more standard). There are also some spelling and punctuation inaccuracies, such as 'feburary' instead of February. The lexical control is sufficient for communication, but vocabulary remains somewhat repetitive.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar and punctuation is inconsistent. There are several noticeable errors, including unnecessary commas (e.g., 'at around, 6%' and 'approximately, 1%'), awkward verb patterns ('reached to 1%'), and minor tense or preposition slips. Complex sentences are sometimes faulty or overly convoluted, which occasionally strains readability. Despite these issues, basic meaning is generally conveyed, placing the response firmly in Band 5.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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