Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-25

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 illustrates the pattern of change in the prices of three metals copper, nickel, and zinc on monthly basis.

Overall, the price of nickel fluctuate dramatically over the months as it had the highest and lowest prices in comapre to others. The change in zinc and copper price remained slightly consistent than nickel.

In the month of january, nickel price has its highest level 60% and later it was down gradually and in the month of June it had its lowest values -30%. After this, it was slightly fluctuate.

The price of zinc reached to its highest values in the month of feb 30% later it fell and reached to its lowest value -1% and than again a surge seen in the last two months november and december.

The copper price was fall from its highest value 2%. Initialy from the january to june there was a drop of its prices , follwed by a slightly consistent increase for the next 6 months.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to summarise the main features of the chart, providing an overview and mentioning data for copper, nickel, and zinc. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reported. For example, the student states that nickel reached '60%' and dropped to '-30%', whereas the chart actually shows percentage changes ranging between +6% and -3%. This misinterpretation of the y-axis values (confusing percentage change figures with large numbers) severely impacts the accuracy of the task response. While an overview is present, the inaccurate data reporting limits the score to a Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is structured into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and separate body paragraphs for each metal, which provides a logical framework. However, the progression is sometimes hindered by weak cohesive devices and abrupt transitions, such as starting paragraphs with 'In the month of january' or 'And than again'. Referencing is generally clear, but paragraphing could be improved to better group related comparisons. Cohesive devices are used mechanically rather than flexibly. These issues place the response firmly in the Band 5.5 to 6.0 range, meriting a 5.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for basic description, incorporating terms like 'fluctuate dramatically', 'gradually', and 'surge'. However, there are several lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'in comapre to', 'slightly consistent', and spelling mistakes like 'january', 'feb', 'Initialy', and 'follwed'. The misuse of numbers (stating 60% instead of 6%) also points to limitations in reporting data precisely. The range is sufficient for the task, but frequent inaccuracies in word choice and spelling lead to a Band 5.0 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but control over grammar is inconsistent. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout the text, including tense issues ('the copper price was fall', 'nickel price has its highest level'), missing prepositions, and punctuation flaws. The attempts at complex structures often result in awkward or ungrammatical phrasing (e.g., 'and later it was down gradually'). While communication is not entirely blocked, the high frequency of errors across basic and complex structures restricts the score to a Band 5.0.

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