Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-22

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 line chart illustrates the changes in the prices of three different categories of metals throughout the year 2014.

Overall, it is clear that all three metals experienced fluctuations in their prices. Nickel remained relatively high from the start, whereas copper experienced a decline from its initial point. Nickel remained at an all-time high of 6% at the beginning, compared with zinc, which stood at only 1%.

The price of nickel fell dramatically as it reached March. Meanwhile, zinc witnessed a slight increase from January to February. In comparison, copper continued to decline from its initial level. In March, all three metals experienced a gradual fall, which remained evident until May. From May onward, the percentage for nickel dropped sharply to approximately -3%. In contrast, copper remained relatively stable during this period.

From July to September, the figures remained relatively moderate. Copper experienced a decline, while nickel and zinc also underwent some fluctuations. From October onward, nickel climbed from approximately -2% to +1%. Similarly, zinc experienced a noticeable rise, increasing from around -1% to approximately 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student covers all three metals and provides a general overview, noting that prices fluctuated throughout 2014. Key features and comparisons are successfully highlighted, such as nickel starting at a high of 6% compared to zinc at 1%. However, there are some misreadings of the data and minor inaccuracies in trend reporting. For instance, the text states that 'copper experienced a decline from its initial point,' but the graph shows copper rising from 2% in January to lower positive values, and nickel's fall to -3% is mentioned correctly in June, but other monthly figures contain slight discrepancies. Despite these minor data interpretation flaws, the main trends and comparisons are adequately identified and supported, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the introduction through body paragraphs detailing chronological movements. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different time periods and trends. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well to guide the reader, with phrases like 'Meanwhile,' 'In comparison,' and 'From May onward' providing clear transitions. However, referencing and cohesive links are sometimes a bit mechanical or repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'nickel remained' or starting consecutive sentences in a similar structure. Overall, the arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing graphical data, incorporating terms such as 'fluctuations,' 'decline,' 'dramatically,' 'stable,' and 'moderate.' There are successful attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'all-time high' and 'percentage.' However, some word choices are slightly inaccurate or unnatural given the context of percentage change figures (e.g., 'the percentage for nickel dropped sharply' instead of 'the figure' or 'the change'). Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing this response firmly in the Band 6.0 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing subordinate clauses and introductory prepositional phrases effectively (e.g., 'Overall, it is clear that all three metals experienced fluctuations...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and the grammar is controlled well enough that communication is never hindered. Minor errors exist, such as slight awkwardness in tense or modifier placement (e.g., 'Nickel remained relatively high from the start, whereas copper experienced a decline from its initial point'), but these do not detract significantly from the overall control. The grammatical range and accuracy merit a Band 6.5.

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