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 decreased significantly 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
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student successfully addresses the main features of the line graph, outlining the general trends for copper, nickel, and zinc across 2014. An overview is attempted, stating that nickel and zinc decreased significantly while copper remained moderate, though this generalisation is slightly inaccurate regarding zinc's overall yearly trajectory (which finished higher). Key data points are referenced, such as nickel starting at 6% and copper starting at 2%. However, some descriptions of intermediate trends are vague or inaccurate compared to the raw data (for instance, stating that nickel fell to 1% in March when it actually fell to 1% in April/May). The response meets the minimum length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is arranged into four paragraphs, providing a logical framework for an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs detailing specific timeframes. Cohesive devices are used to link ideas, such as "Overall, it is clear that", "in contrast to", "While", and "Consequently". However, referencing and progression become slightly disjointed in the middle section, particularly with transitional phrases like "While copper declined gradually with respect to nickel which fell sharply" where the relationships between clauses are somewhat mechanical and confusing. Paragraphing is used appropriately to structure the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range suitable for describing statistical data, using terms such as "fluctuation", "declined gradually", "sharp boost", and "stabilization". Attempts are made to use less common vocabulary like "consequently" and "stabilization". However, there are some imprecise lexical choices and awkward collocations, such as "highest from all above" instead of "the highest overall", and minor errors in word choice that slightly detract from precision, though communication is not impeded.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses introduced by "while" and "as compared to". There are several grammatical errors and punctuation lapses, such as missing articles ("starts with 6% which is highest from all above"), missing prepositions, and run-on phrasing without adequate comma punctuation. For example, "Nickel starts with 6% which is highest from all above , in contrast to copper and zinc starts at 2% and 1% respectively" contains tense and agreement inconsistencies. Despite these errors, the meaning remains mostly clear.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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