Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-27
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 line graph illustrates the average monthly movement in value of three metals— copper, nickel and zinc in the course of 2014.
Overall, copper and zinc had minimum change in price at January while there was significant jump in price of nickel. The figure held volatile changes in value of metals during 2014.
In term of nickel, January held the significant movement in its value compared to previous year 2013. By May 2014, the figure saw a significant drop in its price by about 0.5% in comparison after initial month. Additionally, in June, the figure saw a sharp drop in its price by -3%, remaining the most movement in its metals price.
Moreover, there was fluctuation in price of copper throughout the year 2014,which made the change in price only after July which remained stable in the months of July, August and September. Meanwhile, zinc price hiked up in the month of February remaining top for the changes in price amid 2014 with about 3%. The figure then remained dropping for about 4 month and saw a rise in price after July, making 2% change in price of zinc in the end of december.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to cover the main features of the line graph regarding the average monthly change in prices for copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. However, the interpretation and reporting of the data contain several inaccuracies and confusion. For instance, the student states that copper and zinc had a 'minimum change in price at January,' whereas the graph shows nickel starting at a high +6% in January. Furthermore, the description of trends becomes confused, such as stating nickel dropped to about 0.5% in May 'in comparison after initial month,' and misinterpreting the negative values. While an overview is attempted, it is partially inaccurate. Ideas are somewhat under-developed due to these data misreadings, placing this response at Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The essay is divided into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for nickel and copper/zinc. However, the overall progression is difficult to follow due to awkward phrasing and imprecise referencing. Cohesive devices are used awkwardly or inaccurately, such as 'In term of nickel' and 'Moreover, there was fluctuation in price of copper... which made the change in price only after July.' Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal logical flow within paragraphs is hindered by unclear connections between sentences. This represents Band 5.0 performance for Coherence and Cohesion.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is somewhat limited and repetitive, with several instances of awkward word choice and collocation. Examples include 'minimum change,' 'significant jump,' and 'remained dropping.' The student attempts some less common vocabulary items like 'volatile' and 'fluctuation,' but collocation and prepositional usage are frequently flawed (e.g., 'in term of,' 'change in price of zinc in the end of december'). Lexical errors cause some strain for the reader, aligning with the Band 5 descriptor.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but control over grammar is inconsistent. There are frequent errors in article usage, prepositions, and clause structures, such as 'copper and zinc had minimum change in price at January,' 'the figure held volatile changes,' and missing articles. Additionally, run-on structures like 'throughout the year 2014,which made the change' detract from the quality. Because errors are frequent and occasionally cause difficulty in understanding the intended meaning, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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