Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)

The graph illustrate that the average monthly change in the prices of three metals things during 2014.

In the graph the Zinc percentage is 1%, Copper is a little bit greater in rate than Zinc and the Nickel is a more efficient than the Copper and Zinc. These rates shows about the prices change per month. The percentage that given in first line is for january. In the next month Copper price decrease a little bit, the Zinc price increase from 1 to 3% and In the Nickel price a greater change its price decrease in large amount. Next month Copper and Nickel decrease in prices and Zinc also decrease one time. In April the prices of these metals almost same as before. Next month these metals decreases there prices a little bit. In Jun Copper price do not change but the other two metals price decreases. Nxt three months there prices did not change by time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response attempts to address the task by describing parts of the line graph showing monthly price changes for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, the summary fails to provide a clear overall overview of the main trends. The student struggles to interpret the percentage change data accurately, misinterpreting the units and stating incorrect movements (e.g., claiming 'in the next month Copper price decrease a little bit' when it rose or remained stable depending on the month, and stating 'in Jun Copper price do not change' when it dropped). Furthermore, the explanation becomes overly confused and lacks the systematic reporting of key features required for a higher band. As a result, the task is only partially addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The text suffers from poor overall organisation. The writing is arranged into two dense paragraphs, with the second paragraph functioning as a continuous block of text without proper logical progression or paragraph breaks to separate different periods or metals. Cohesive devices are either missing or misused, leading to a mechanical and confusing flow (e.g., 'Next month...', 'In the next month...', 'Next month...'). Referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult to follow which metal or time period is being referenced at any given moment.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.5

The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive (e.g., 'prices', 'metals', 'change', 'increase', 'decrease'). There are numerous awkward lexical choices and non-standard expressions, such as 'prices of three metals things', 'Nickel is a more efficient than the Copper', and 'greater change its price decrease in large amount'. Spelling and word formation are problematic in places, though basic ideas remain just barely decipherable. The lexical range is severely limited and inadequate for accurate data reporting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

Grammatical control is weak throughout the response, featuring frequent basic errors that impede communication. The opening sentence contains a severe verb agreement and structure error ('The graph illustrate that...'). Other common mistakes include missing prepositions, incorrect verb forms ('the other two metals price decreases'), and poorly constructed complex or compound structures. Simple sentences often contain structural flaws, and error-free sentences are extremely rare. The overall grammatical range is very limited.

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

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