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 graph demonstrates the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014. These metals include copper, nickel, and zinc and the graph compares their prices that vary each month.

The price of nickel was the highest in January, then it decreased gradually over time, especially from May to June, showing the lowest and then rising Zinc price was initially 1% and then increased to 3% in February; however, it remained decreased throughout the year until the end of October, which shows the start of a price rise. Copper shows high price percentage during start of the year, and it shows variation in price throughout the year.

Overall, nickel highest price percentage in January and the lowest in June among the three of them. The other metals' price percentages were between -1 to 2% across the year. The percentage of zinc was the highest in December among them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student attempts to summarise the main features of the graph showing average monthly changes in copper, nickel, and zinc prices in 2014. While the overview mentions key extremes, such as nickel starting at a high percentage in January and dropping to its lowest in June, the body paragraphs contain inaccurate descriptions of the data. For instance, the text claims zinc 'remained decreased throughout the year until the end of October,' which contradicts the line graph showing fluctuations above and below zero. Furthermore, some data points are vague or lack necessary comparison. The response addresses the prompt minimally, resulting in a Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is structured into an introduction, a body paragraph, and an overview conclusion. However, the logical progression is disrupted by confusing sentence constructions and poor transitions, such as 'showing the lowest and then rising Zinc price was initially 1%'. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of information lacks clarity. Cohesive devices are used mechanically and sometimes inaccurately (e.g., 'however, it remained decreased...'). Referencing between sentences is occasionally unclear, making it hard to follow the comparisons between the three metals. This warrants a Band 5.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is repetitive and basic, relying heavily on terms from the prompt such as 'average monthly change', 'prices', and 'metals'. There are awkward word choices and collocations, such as 'high price percentage' instead of 'percentage increase' or 'price rise'. While the student attempts less common vocabulary like 'gradually', inaccuracies in word formation and phrasing (e.g., 'the lowest and then rising Zinc price') impede communication at times. Spelling is generally accurate, but the overall lexical range is limited, fitting the Band 5.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but attempts at complex structures frequently result in grammatical errors and run-on sentences. For example, 'These metals include copper, nickel, and zinc and the graph compares their prices that vary each month' demonstrates weak clause connection. There are punctuation errors, missing articles, and awkward phrasing that cause difficulty for the reader. While basic sentence structures are occasionally accurate, frequent errors in agreement and tense consistency place this at a 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.