Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-28
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 4.0)
The graph illustrates average monthly change in prices compared with previous months of Copper, Nickel and Zinc in the year of 2014.
Overall, Copper prices are the highest proportion in the month of january about 6% and after that we have seen the significant decline till the june reached the least point at -3% after that observed some hike and retain it at 1%. In contrast Zinc prices starts from 1 in january in the starting first month observe some flucation towards 3% but after seen decline till -1% in the remaning month of the year november and december recorded some improvement and recorded the number 1.5% Whereas Nickel initiated from 2% and decline slightly but no more as compare to the previous metals and retail the position at 1.8%
In conclusion, Copper started well from 6% and ended at 1% where we have seen the improvment in zinc that was initiated from 1% and ended at 2% meanwhile nickel
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the graph showing the average monthly price changes of copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. However, the response contains severe data misinterpretations. For instance, the student states that Copper reached 6% in January and Nickel started at 6% (whereas the graph shows Nickel at 6% in January and Copper at 2%). Furthermore, the data points described frequently conflict with the visual data provided. Crucially, the response trails off incompletely at the end ('meanwhile nickel'), leaving the summary unfinished. These significant inaccuracies and the incomplete delivery place the response at Band 4.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0
The response is divided into brief paragraphs, but the overall organisation lacks clarity and logical progression. Cohesive devices are either misused or absent, resulting in run-on sentences that are difficult to follow, such as 'In contrast Zinc prices starts from 1 in january in the starting first month observe some flucation...'. Paragraphing is incomplete as the final sentence breaks off mid-thought. Referencing and linking between ideas are faulty, causing the reader considerable strain to follow the comparison of trends.
Lexical Resource: Band 4.5
The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, relying heavily on simple terms like 'prices', 'month', 'decline', and 'observe'. There are frequent word-choice errors and imprecise phrasing, such as 'retain it at 1%' and 'retail the position'. Less common lexical items are attempted but used inaccurately. Spelling errors (e.g., 'january', 'flucation', 'remaning', 'improvment') further limit the lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0
The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. Most sentences are poorly constructed run-on statements lacking proper punctuation and verb control, as seen in 'Overall, Copper prices are the highest proportion in the month of january about 6% and after that we have seen the significant decline till the june reached the least point at -3%...'. Errors in tense consistency, subject-verb agreement, and missing prepositions are frequent and impede communication.
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