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 their prices. Nickel and zinc fall dramatically over the period as compared to copper, which remained moderate.

Nickel starts with 6% which is highest from all above , in contrast to copper and zinc starts at 2% and 1% respectively. While copper declined gradually with respect to nickel which fell sharply from 6% to 1% in March. Consequently zinc saw a sudden boost but it also decreased steadily.

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 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by reporting the main trends and comparing the price changes of copper, nickel, and zinc across 2014. The overview correctly identifies that nickel and zinc fluctuated significantly compared to copper. However, some data points are inaccurate or poorly described; for instance, the claim that nickel and zinc 'fall dramatically over the period' is misleading since both ended the year higher or close to where they started, and nickel did not start at 6% in January (the transcription shows nickel at 6% in Jan, but the phrasing is slightly clunky). Nevertheless, the key features and seasonal patterns are generally highlighted, fulfilling the core requirements of Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organised into four paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overall statement, and body paragraphs that deal with specific timeframes. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'While', and 'Consequently' are used to connect ideas, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical or abrupt. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and specific data details, ensuring that the information flows reasonably well from one point to the next, maintaining a clear overall arrangement.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting some less common items such as 'fluctuation', 'stabilization', and 'recovery trends'. However, there are notable word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'highest from all above' instead of 'the highest of all', and inaccurate descriptions of trend directions ('fall dramatically over the period' for items that recovered). Spelling is generally accurate, but the range of vocabulary remains somewhat basic and repetitive, achieving a solid Band 6 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures like 'which is highest from all above' and 'While copper declined gradually with respect to nickel which fell sharply'. Grammatical errors occur, including missing prepositions, awkward comparative phrasing ('highest from all above'), and punctuation lapses. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the majority of simple sentences are accurate, supporting a score of 6.0.

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

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