Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
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 shows nickel has the highest change in price at around 6% in the month of January and dropped 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 the 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 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 rose to 3% in February, 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 | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the graph, providing an overview and referencing specific metals. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, the student states that 'zinc has the highest change in price in the month of January at nearly 6%', whereas the visual data clearly shows that nickel peaked at 6% in January while zinc was only at 1%. Similarly, descriptions of trends contain confusion between the different metal series. While the student attempts to cover the task requirements, the misinterpretation of data points pulls the score down to Band 5.0, as some information presented is factually incorrect and misleading.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organised into paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and an overview, followed by body paragraphs. However, logical progression is hindered by confusing data statements and mechanical transitional phrases. Phrases such as 'On a cursory look' and 'In comparison... on the one hand... on the other hand' are misused and create a somewhat disjointed reading experience. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to follow which metal's trend is being discussed. Paragraphing is present, but overall cohesion is faulty, placing this response firmly in Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for the task, using words related to data trends such as 'fluctuations', 'decreased', and 'dropped'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and data description (e.g., confusing percentages and attributing values to the wrong metals). Attempts at less common vocabulary are sometimes awkward or imprecise. Vocabulary range is limited but minimally adequate to convey basic concepts, matching the Band 5.0 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'Overall, the graph shows nickel has the highest change in price at around 6%...'. However, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, including missing articles and run-on structures ('...decreased to almost 0.5% in the month of May and June with time it decreased to approximately 1.5% in December'). While these errors do not completely obscure meaning, they cause some difficulty for the reader and demonstrate limited control over complex structures, warranting a Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.