Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the average monthly change of prices of three metals during 2014.
The price of nickel rise in the month of January to 6% and gradually decreases from February to to June from 4 to 3% only a small rise of 1 % percent was observed in July of 1 % and remain static till September. Small fluctuation was observed in the prices of nickel in October prices drop to -2% and gradually increased in November to December
The prices of Copper and and zinc was reduced as compared to nickel. From January to May the price of copper was reduced to 0.5 % and gradually rises in the month of July to 1 % and remained static till September and only reduces to 0.5% in the month of October and raised from November to December.
The prices of Zinc from January to December fluctuated. A Sudden rise was seen in the month of February to 3 % and it gradually decreased to -1% in June and only a small change was observed in the price of Zinc which remained static till September and Rises up to 2 % to 3 % in November and December
Overall, The prices of metal experience many rise and decline from January to December in 2014.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student addresses all parts of the task by reporting on the average monthly price changes for copper, nickel, and zinc throughout 2014, including some comparisons between the metals. An overview is present at the end, though it is slightly brief. Key trends are identified, such as nickel's dramatic peak in January at 6% and its subsequent decline, as well as the fluctuations seen in zinc and copper. However, some data points are slightly inaccurate or misread compared to the visual data (for instance, stating that nickel decreased from February to June 'from 4 to 3%', whereas the chart shows nickel falling from 4% to 0.5% and then -3% in June). There is also some confusion regarding the scale and specific values. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, placing it at Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is arranged coherently, with each paragraph generally dedicated to a specific metal, followed by a concluding summary sentence. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'From January to May' and 'Overall', but referencing and linking within paragraphs can be mechanical or repetitive ('The prices of...', 'Small fluctuation was observed...'). Paragraphing is attempted, but the body paragraphs are quite dense and could be broken down more effectively for clarity. Logical progression is occasionally disrupted by confusing chronological tracking of data points. This level of organization and cohesion aligns with Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, featuring terms such as 'fluctuated', 'gradually decreases', 'static', and 'peak'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation issues, such as 'price of nickel rise' (tense error), 'prices of Copper and and zinc was reduced' (doubled word and unnatural collocation for percentage changes), and 'raised from November to December'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with some inaccuracy. Spelling is generally acceptable, but lexical control is inconsistent. This corresponds to Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The price of nickel rise', 'prices of Copper and and zinc was reduced'), punctuation errors (run-on sentences lacking proper terminal punctuation, particularly in the nickel and zinc paragraphs), and awkward phrasing. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent the response from achieving a higher band. Control of grammar and punctuation is characteristic of Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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