Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
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 display instability 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 which started at 2% and 1% respectively. While copper declined significantly 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 shif
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student provides an overall summary and attempts to report key features and trends, noting that nickel started at its highest point while copper and zinc began lower. However, the analysis contains inaccuracies and misinterpretations of the visual data. For instance, the statement that nickel and zinc decreased significantly over the period compared to copper is misleading, as all three fluctuated around the zero line. Furthermore, the description of trends becomes imprecise and incomplete, and the text ends abruptly mid-sentence ("shif"). The main features are covered only partially, which places this response at Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into distinct paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, and body paragraphs attempting to track the data chronologically. However, logical progression is hindered by inaccurate transitions and confusing comparisons (e.g., "While copper declined significantly with respect to nickel which fell sharply..."). Cohesive devices are sometimes used mechanically or inaccurately, and the abrupt ending shows a lack of control over the overall paragraph structure. Referencing is occasionally unclear. This meets the criteria for Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with attempts at less common items such as "instability," "stabilization," and "recovery trends." However, there are notable lexical errors and imprecise word choices, such as "graph display" (instead of displays), "highest from all above," and "sudden boost." Repetition of verbs like "decreased" and "rose" is also apparent. While communication is not severely hindered, the range is limited and constrained by these inaccuracies, making Band 5.0 the appropriate score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses introduced by "while" and "from March to May." However, grammatical errors are frequent throughout the text, such as missing pluralization ("graph display"), incorrect prepositions ("highest from all above"), and run-on or awkward phrasing in sentences like "Nickel starts with 6% which is highest from all above , in contrast to copper and zinc..." Furthermore, the response is incomplete due to the cut-off final word. These errors occasionally cause difficulty for the reader, aligning with Band 5.0.
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.