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 graph illustrates the average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel and zinc throughout the year 2014.

overall it is clear that the graph shows fluctuation in prices of three metals . Nickel stayed at highest from its beginning as compared to zinc which is lowest from all .

. Additionally, nickel exhibited the highest level of volatility. In January, nickel started at a high of 6%, significantly outperforming copper at 2% and zinc at 1%. However, nickel’s figure dropped dramatically, plunging to a low of -3% by June. In contrast, zinc saw a brief climb to 3% in February. From March to May, all three commodities underwent a gradual decline, followed by a brief period of stabilization until September. During the final quarter, recovery trends were visible. From October onwards, nickel climbed from -2% to finish at 1% in December. Similarly, zinc rose from -1% to end at 2%. Meanwhile, copper prices experienced less dramatic shifts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and trends of the three metals shown in the graph during 2014. An appropriate overview is attempted at the beginning, noting fluctuations and general levels, although it is awkwardly placed. Key data points are accurately highlighted, such as nickel starting at a high of 6% in January and dropping to -3% in June, alongside references to zinc and copper trends. The data points cited largely align with the visual reference provided. However, the overview could be more clearly integrated into the structure, and some comparisons are slightly underdeveloped. Nevertheless, the requirements for this criterion are well met, corresponding to a Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement and follows a logical chronological progression from January through the final quarter of the year. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader, such as 'In contrast', 'Additionally', and 'Meanwhile'. However, paragraphing is somewhat problematic; the introductory sentence stands alone, followed by a block containing the overview and the main body details combined into a single dense paragraph. This lacks skilful or sufficient paragraphing structure. Referencing is mostly clear, but the mechanical layout detracts from a smoother flow. These features place the response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms like 'fluctuation', 'volatility', 'outperforming', 'plunging', 'stabilization', and 'recovery trends'. There are some successful attempts to use less common lexical items related to data reporting. However, there are minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'stayed at highest from its beginning' and 'lowest from all'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication. This performance aligns well with the descriptors for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including temporal clauses ('In January, nickel started...') and participial phrases. There is good control over past tense forms required for describing historical data in 2014. However, punctuation and capitalization issues are present, notably the lowercase letter at the beginning of 'overall' and extra spacing around punctuation marks. There are also slight grammatical awkwardnesses in superlatives ('stayed at highest'). Despite these flaws, the majority of sentences are clear and do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6.0 score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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