Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The chart illustrates the change in the price of 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 remained almost similar at the end of the period. However, in contrast, the price of nickel experienced a sharp decline over the same period.
Looking first at the price of 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 the 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
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three metals throughout 2014. The student provides a clear overview and selects key data points, such as nickel starting at the highest figure (6%) and dropping to -3% in June, and copper and zinc ending the year closely. However, there are minor inaccuracies in interpreting the data; for example, the student states that copper accounted for '2% in the first month', whereas the chart shows it at 2% change, but later describes it as accounting for percentages of price change rather than price levels. Despite minor descriptive slips, the main trends are accurately identified and supported with figures from the graph, fulfilling Band 7 criteria.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The text is logically organized with a clear progression from an introductory statement to an overview, followed by well-defined body paragraphs dedicated to copper and zinc, and then nickel. Cohesive devices are used effectively to link ideas and guide the reader smoothly through the data, such as 'Looking first at the price of copper', 'Additionally', and 'Turning to the price of nickel'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each metal given clear focus. Reference words are handled well, ensuring that the relationships between figures and time periods remain clear throughout the essay.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, incorporating terms such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'gradually decreased', and 'remained stable'. Less common lexical items are attempted with general success, although there are minor awkwardness issues in collocations, such as describing a percentage change figure directly as what the item 'accounted for'. Spelling and word choice errors are rare and do not impede communication, allowing the response to comfortably meet the requirements for Band 6.5 or a solid Band 7.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
A good variety of complex sentence structures is used throughout the response, including subordinate clauses ('while remaining stable for the next two months') and participial phrases ('before experiencing a slight dip'). The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled competently. Minor errors do occur, such as 'experiencing fall' missing an article ('a fall'), but these are infrequent and do not disrupt the flow of information. The control of grammar supports clear communication and justifies a Band 7 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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