Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-23

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 line graph illustrates the mean monthly variation in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, initially, nickel had the dominant figure but its proportion of the change in prices followed a decreasing trend until June then fluctuated and overall increased. While, price of copper and zinc experienced fluctuation over the period.

In detail, initially, a 6% variation in the cost of nickel was recorded, while this ratio plummeted to hit a low of -3% in the beginning of July. Afterward the percentage fluctuated but eventually increased to 1% by the end of December.

Turning to the remaining two metals, initially, a 2% changes in prices were experienced in copper and 1% in zinc. Although, the changes in price of zinc witnessed a dramatic rise in variation of prices to hit a peak of 3% at the starting of February, the percentage decreased consistently to reach - 1% at the starting of June. Similarly, the change in the cost of copper declined until the start of June, where just around -0.5% was recorded. Afterward, the percentage of price variation in both metals followed a similar trajectory to 2% in zinc and approximately 1.8% in copper in the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the three metals. The overview captures the overall downward-then-upward trend for nickel and the fluctuating nature of copper and zinc. Specific details are generally accurate according to the visual data, noting nickel's starting peak of around 6% and its drop to -3% in June, as well as the initial figures and subsequent movements for copper and zinc. While some descriptions of the end values for zinc and copper contain slight approximations (e.g., stating roughly 1.8% for copper at the end), these fall well within acceptable limits. The task is fully addressed with appropriate data selection, earning a solid Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. It begins with a clear introductory sentence, followed by an overview paragraph that outlines the key general trends, and concludes with well-structured detail paragraphs breaking down the data. Cohesive devices such as 'initially', 'while', 'afterward', and 'turning to' are used effectively to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is logical and appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Referencing is mostly clear, though a few transitions feel slightly repetitive ('initially'), preventing a higher band. Overall, coherence and cohesion meet the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for a data summary, successfully employing terms like 'variation', 'plummeted', 'fluctuated', 'trajectory', and 'proportion'. There is some awareness of collocation and style, seen in phrases like 'hit a low of' and 'witnessed a dramatic rise'. However, there are minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'proportion of the change in prices' and 'changes in price of zinc witnessed a dramatic rise in variation of prices'. Spelling is accurate throughout. The lexical range is adequate for flexibility and precision, deserving a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing contains a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over subordinate clauses and introductory phrases (e.g., 'Although, the changes in price of zinc witnessed a dramatic rise...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, though a few minor grammatical slips and punctuation lapses occur, such as the unnecessary comma after 'Although' and the spacing in '- 1%'. Complex structures are generally handled well without impeding communication. The grammatical range and accuracy align comfortably with a Band 7.0 descriptor.

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