Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-20
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 bar chart compares the average monthly change in price of three different metals, Copper, Nickel and Zinc in 2014.
Overall, Copper price was fluctuated throughout the period. The price of Nickel was declined significantly while zinc price was increased just one percent in those time.
In January, the price of copper was decreased slightly and reached -0.5 in May and July, after this it fluctuated in next six month and recorded 1.5 percent in end of December. Zinc was increased in first month 3% and after Feb it declined, it was recorded -1 in June and October and 2% in the end of year.
Nickel had more than 6% price in start of year, In first six month it dropped -3% while in June it increased minimaly -1% and remain same in end of September, in the end of year it was recorded just 1% more in its price than previous year.
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 identifies the chart type incorrectly as a bar chart instead of a line graph. While the response attempts to summarise trends for copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014, the overview contains factual inaccuracies; for instance, copper fluctuated rather than following a single definitive trajectory, but the student mischaracterises nickel's overall trend ('declined significantly' when it actually experienced a mix of sharp increases early on and subsequent drops) and misreads several specific data points. The descriptions of individual months are disjointed and often misinterpret the percentage change values shown on the graph, such as stating that nickel dropped -3% in the first six months when it actually rose initially before dropping mid-year. Overall, the response addresses the prompt minimally with frequent data misreadings, corresponding to a Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is divided into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs, providing a basic structural framework. However, the logical progression is weak due to confusing transitions and poor integration of data ('after this it fluctuated in next six month'). Cohesive devices are used awkwardly or inaccurately, and referencing between sentences is frequently unclear, making the sequence of events difficult to follow. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal coherence within the paragraphs is disrupted by erratic jumping between different metals and months without clear signposting. This reflects the characteristics of Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is relatively basic and repetitive, relying on standard terms like 'price', 'increase', 'decrease', and 'fluctuate'. There are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'price was fluctuated', 'declined significantly' (used inaccurately for the overall trajectory), and 'increased minimaly -1%'. Less common lexical items are attempted but handled poorly, leading to unnatural phrasing. Spelling is generally acceptable, but the limited range and frequent collocation errors constrain the response to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent errors in verb tense, voice, and prepositional use, such as 'the price of copper was decreased slightly', 'recorded 1.5 percent in end of December', and 'remain same in end of September'. Passive and active voice constructions are frequently confused ('the price of Nickel was declined'). These recurring errors cause some difficulty for the reader, though basic meaning remains mostly discernible, placing this criterion solidly at Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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