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 had 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 had the lowest change in price at approximately 1% in the month of January and reached 2% in the month of December.
On a cursory look, it becomes evident that all 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 report the main features of the graph, covering the three metals across 2014. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies in the data reported. For instance, the student states that nickel had the highest change at around 6% in January (which is correct) but confuses the data for zinc and nickel in the body paragraphs, claiming that 'zinc has the highest change in price in the month of January at nearly 6%' when the graph shows nickel reaching 6%. Furthermore, some trends are misread or confused between the series. The overview is also quite limited. Consequently, the response only partially satisfies the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organised into paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs. However, logical progression is hindered by confusion in the data and contradictory descriptions. Cohesive devices are used, but sometimes mechanically or inappropriately (e.g., 'On a cursory look', 'on the one hand', 'on the other hand' used incorrectly to contrast points within the same series rather than opposing views). Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal structure of the body paragraphs lacks clear thematic grouping.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common vocabulary such as 'fluctuations', 'curiously', and 'significant change'. However, there are notable inaccuracies in word choice and data reporting terminology. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive, with frequent reliance on basic phrasing to describe trends ('decreased', 'reached', 'rose'). Spelling is generally accurate, but lexical control is insufficient for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Overall, the graph shows nickel had the highest change...'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, including missing relative pronouns, incorrect preposition usage ('at the start' rather than 'in the start'), and punctuation slips. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur regularly enough to restrict the score to Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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