Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 by 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 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and trends of the three metals shown in the graph. The overview clearly highlights that all three metals experienced monthly fluctuations throughout 2014. Key features, such as nickel starting at a high of 6% and dropping sharply to around -3% by June, are accurately reported. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in tracing specific monthly movements, such as stating that nickel 'fell dramatically by it reached March' when it actually declined from February to March, and some confusion regarding the timeframe of certain drops. Nevertheless, the student provides an adequate summary with relevant data points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory statement, followed by an overview paragraph, and then body paragraphs that generally follow a chronological or thematic sequence. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different periods of the year. Cohesive devices are employed to link ideas, such as 'Meanwhile', 'In comparison', and 'From May onward', although some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive ('From... onward', 'From... to...'). Referencing is mostly clear, contributing to a coherent overall arrangement.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, successfully employing terms related to trends and data analysis such as 'fluctuations', 'decline', 'gradual fall', 'dropped sharply', and 'relatively stable'. There are occasional awkward expressions or minor word-choice errors, such as 'by it reached March' instead of 'by the time it reached March'. While less common lexical items are attempted, there is some reliance on simpler descriptors, but communication remains clear and effective throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over past tense structures and time clauses (e.g., 'The line chart illustrates the changes...', 'Nickel remained relatively high...'). There are some grammatical errors, most notably the phrase 'by it reached March' which contains a structural error, and occasional minor punctuation slips. However, the majority of simple sentences are error-free, and the complex structures attempted do not impede overall communication.

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.