Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The provided line graph illustrates fluctuations in the change inprices 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. However, it dramatically decreased to _1% till June and finally it was recorded at 2% in December.

On the other hand, copper was recorded at 2% in January, while nickel was recorded at 6% in the same month. Although both were significantly reduced till June, copper was recorded at _0.5% and nickel was at _3%. After this drop both was gradually increased in July and, both remained constant to this percentage till September. After this sudden fluctuation copper dramatically inclined and was recorded at 1.5% in December. likewise, nickel was recorded at 1% in this month.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student covers all three metals depicted in the graph and attempts to highlight key trends and data points. However, the summary of overall trends contains inaccuracies; the student states that zinc followed an upward trajectory while copper and nickel 'headed in reverse direction,' whereas the graph actually shows that all three fluctuated around the zero line with positive and negative monthly changes, though zinc finished higher. Additionally, some specific figures are misread or poorly described, such as the peak and trough movements. The response meets the minimum word count requirement, but the data reporting lacks precision.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is structured into distinct paragraphs, starting with an introduction, followed by a body paragraph focusing on zinc, and a final paragraph covering copper and nickel. Logical connectors such as 'To commence with', 'However', and 'On the other hand' are employed to guide the reader through the data. However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical ('After this drop both was gradually increased'), and the overall progression between ideas could be smoother. Paragraphing is used sufficiently for a short task response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting appropriate topic-specific terms such as 'fluctuations', 'trajectory', 'decreased', and 'constant'. However, there are noticeable spelling and typographical errors throughout the text, such as 'change inprices' (missing space), 'matels' (misspelling of metals), and '_1%' or '_0.5%' instead of minus signs. Less common lexical items are attempted but occasionally mishandled in collocation or form, reflecting a band 5.5 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using subordinate clauses introduced by 'whereas' and 'Although'. However, grammatical control is inconsistent. There are several errors in subject-verb agreement and voice, such as 'both was gradually increased' instead of 'both gradually increased', and awkward phrasing like 'gradually inclined' (inclined is generally not used with gradually in this context). Punctuation and negative number representation are also faulty. These errors occasionally cause mild confusion for the reader.

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.