Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-21
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 6.0)
The provided line graph illustrates fluctuations in the change in prices of three matels through 2014, concentrating primarily on copper, zinc and nickel. It is structured to display how data evolved chronologically. Overall, zinc followed a distinct upward trajectory, whereas copper and nickel headed in reverse direction.
To commence with, zinc was recorded at 1% in January, which gradually inclined to 3% in February. Then it dramatically decreased to _1 till June, and it progressively boost up to 2% in December.
On the other hand, copper was recorded at 2% in January, while nickel was at 6% in the same month. However, both faced decline till the June and copper was recorded at _0.5% and nickel was recorded at _3%. Although both slightly improved in July, both both remain constant till the September. Nevertheless, both significantly went up and copper was recorded at 1.5% in December. likewise, nickel was recorded at 1% in this month.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The candidate has addressed all parts of the task by reporting the main features and trends of the three metals shown in the graph. An overview is provided at the end of the first paragraph, identifying the general trajectory of zinc compared to copper and nickel. Key data points such as starting figures, troughs, and final values are mentioned. However, there are a few inaccuracies in reading the graph; for instance, the overview incorrectly states that copper and nickel headed in the reverse direction of zinc across the entire year, whereas copper actually finished on an upward trend similar to zinc. Additionally, the description of zinc stating it 'dramatically decreased to -1 till June' misreads the data slightly. Nevertheless, the main features are adequately covered to earn a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing the specific trends. Cohesive devices such as 'To commence with', 'On the other hand', and 'Although' are used to structure the text, though some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview and body details. Referencing is generally clear, though a repeated typographical error ('both both remain constant') creates a slight distraction. Overall progression is coherent, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate descriptive terms such as 'fluctuations', 'trajectory', 'gradually inclined', and 'dramatically decreased'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though it is occasionally marred by spelling errors, such as 'matels' instead of 'metals', and awkward word combinations like 'progressively boost up'. Word choice is generally functional but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Communication is not impeded by these lexical limitations, supporting a Band 6.0 score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The candidate demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses introduced by 'whereas', 'while', and 'although'. However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as '_1' representing negative values, 'faced decline till the June' (missing articles), and a doubled word error ('both both remain constant till the September'). Punctuation and tense usage are generally acceptable for past data reporting, but the frequency of minor structural and phrasing inaccuracies keeps the score at Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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