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 chart illustrates the change in the price of the three metals, such as copper, nickel and zinc on an average monthly basis in 2014.

Overall, it is evident that the price of copper and zinc remains almost similar at the end of the period. However, the price of nickel experienced a sharp decline over the same period.

Looking first at the price of the copper, it accounted for 2% in the first month before experiencing a slight dip. Afterwards, it slightly climbed up and reached nearly 2% in December. Additionally, zinc stood at 1% in January which was the lowest figure among other metals. It then peaked at 3% in February before experiencing fall in June. Afterwards, it fluctuated and grew reaching the maximum figure in December.

Turning to the price of nickel, it was the highest figure in the month of January; however, it decreased gradually and reached -3% in June. It then grew steadily reaching -1% in July before remaining stable for the next two months. Interestingly, it fluctuated and reached 1% at the end of 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers all three metals presented in the chart and provides an overview of the main trends. The opening correctly identifies the subject matter, and the body paragraphs select and report key features such as starting points, peaks, and troughs. For instance, noting that nickel started at 6% in January and dropped to -3% in June accurately reflects the data. However, there are some minor inaccuracies or imprecise interpretations, such as stating that copper and zinc prices remained 'almost similar at the end of the period' when their final percentage changes were 1.5% and 2% respectively, and misinterpreting the overall trajectory of nickel as a 'sharp decline over the same period' when it experienced both sharp falls and recoveries. Despite these minor issues, the task is well addressed, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised into four paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the specific metals. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to guide the reader through the data, using transition phrases like 'Looking first at', 'Additionally', 'Turning to', and 'Interestingly'. Paragraphing is logical and appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. However, some cohesive links feel slightly mechanical, and referencing could be smoother. For example, the transition between sentences in the copper and zinc paragraph lacks tight integration. Overall progression is clear throughout, satisfying the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for this task, successfully employing terms related to data trends such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'gradually decreased', and 'remained stable'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some success, for instance, 'highest figure' and 'slight dip'. However, there are some awkward collocations and imprecise word choices, such as 'accounted for 2%' (percentage change cannot be 'accounted for' in this structural context) and 'experiencing fall'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, placing this response comfortably in the Band 6.0 to 6.5 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

A fair mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used throughout the essay. The student successfully constructs subordinate clauses and time markers, such as 'which was the lowest figure among other metals' and 'before experiencing a slight dip'. Grammatical accuracy is reasonably high with several error-free sentences, though minor errors persist, such as missing articles ('experiencing fall' instead of 'experiencing a fall'). Punctuation is generally correct, and sentences do not impede communication. The control over grammar aligns well with the Band 6.5 descriptor.

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

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