Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19

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 6.5)

The graph shows the average monthly changes in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

In January, nickel increased by 6 percent, the highest figure. It then fell to 4 percent in February and about 1 percent in March and April. After a decrease to -3 percent in June, it stayed around -1 percent until September. It then rose to 1 percent in November and December.

Copper started at 2 percent in January and fell to about 0.5 percent in March. It was negative in May and June. From July to September, it was around 1 percent, before falling slightly in October and rising to 1.5 percent in December.

Zinc rose from 1 percent in January to 3 percent in February. It then decreased to -1 percent in June and stayed around -0.5 percent until September. Finally, it increased to 1.5 percent in November and 2 percent in December.

Overall, nickel had the biggest changes, while copper was more stable. Zinc also changed a lot during the year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons among copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. The response features a clear overview in the final paragraph, noting that nickel experienced the most volatility while copper remained relatively stable. Key data points, such as nickel starting at a peak of 6 percent in January and dropping to -3 percent in June, are accurately cited from the visual data. The selection of features is appropriate, and trends are reported logically across the body paragraphs without significant omissions or inaccuracies.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each metal is assigned its own dedicated paragraph in the body, which allows for a structured and easy-to-follow presentation of data. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the final paragraph provides a concise summary. Cohesive devices are handled effectively to guide the reader through the monthly fluctuations, such as 'It then fell', 'After a decrease', and 'Finally, it increased'. Although simpler transitional phrases are used, the logical flow is maintained consistently from the introduction to the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for a Task 1 report, incorporating terms like 'fluctuations', 'stable', 'decreased', and 'peak'. While the vocabulary tends to be somewhat functional and straightforward rather than ambitious, it communicates the data accurately. There are no major lexical errors or awkward collocations. To achieve a higher band, the student could integrate more sophisticated lexical items related to degree and speed of change, such as 'considerable volatility', 'minimal fluctuation', or 'slumped'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates good control over grammar and punctuation, successfully utilizing a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Sentences such as 'After a decrease to -3 percent in June, it stayed around -1 percent until September' illustrate a good ability to handle subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical structures are accurate throughout the response. Tenses are used consistently and correctly to describe past data from the year 2014. Punctuation is standard and correct.

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

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