Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29

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 7.0)

The line graph compares the average monthly percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc in 2014.

Overall, nickel showed the most dramatic fluctuations. All three metals experienced a downward trend in the first half of the year, with nickel starting with the highest increase but ending up with the sharpest fall.

In the second half, price changes were more stable and all three metals recovered slightly to end the year close to 0%.In January, nickel prices rose by 6% compared to the previous month, which was significantly higher than copper at 2% and zinc at 1%.

In February, nickel's growth slowed to 4%, while zinc peaked at 3% and copper dropped to around 1%. By March, all three metals had fallen sharply, with nickel at 0.7%, zinc at 1.5% and copper near 0%.Between May and June, prices turned negative. Nickel saw the most severe drop, falling to -3% in June, while zinc fell to -1% and copper to -1.5%.

From July to September, prices remained relatively stable below zero, with nickel around -1%, zinc around -1.2% and copper slightly positive at 0.2%.In October, nickel and zinc reached their lowest points at -2% and -1% respectively.

However, by December, all three metals had recovered, with zinc at 2%, copper at 1.8% and nickel at 01%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by providing a clear overview of the line graph, selecting the main features, and making appropriate comparisons between copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. The opening summary effectively highlights nickel's dramatic fluctuations compared to the other metals. Key data points, such as nickel starting at 6% in January and falling to -3% in June, are accurately reported. Trends over the first and second halves of the year are well contrasted. While there are a few minor inaccuracies in precise figure retrieval (for instance, stating nickel was at 0.7% in March when it was closer to 1%), these do not detract from the overall clarity and accurate task fulfilment.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response exhibits clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is grouped chronologically, transitioning smoothly from the overall trends to specific monthly developments from January through December. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. Cohesive devices are employed effectively to link ideas, such as 'Overall', 'In the second half', 'By March', and 'From July to September'. Referencing is clear, and the relationship between the different metal price movements is well managed, ensuring the reader can easily follow the narrative.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, well-suited to describing graphical data. Less common lexical items and phrases are used effectively, such as 'dramatic fluctuations', 'downward trend', 'sharpest fall', 'price changes were more stable', and 'recovered slightly'. Word choices and collocations are generally natural, and terms relating to statistical changes like 'growth slowed', 'fell sharply', and 'lowest points' are handled appropriately. Spelling is accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'while zinc peaked at 3% and copper dropped to around 1%', 'falling to -3% in June'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is solid. There is a minor typo near the end ('01%' instead of '1%'), but this does not impede communication. Overall, the grammatical control is strong and supports clear, precise reporting.

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