Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average month-to-month percentage change in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinc during 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced the greatest fluctuations, with sharp rises at the beginning of the year and significant declines in the middle months. By contrast, copper showed the most stable trend, with only minor changes throughout the year. Zinc fluctuated moderately, ending the year with the strongest positive growth among the three metals.

At the start of the year, nickel recorded the highest monthly increase, at approximately 6% in January, before falling to 4% in February and then declining steadily to around 1% by March and May. In June, its price change dropped dramatically to about -3%, the lowest figure on the chart. It recovered slightly to around -1% between July and September, dipped again to -2% in October, and then rebounded to approximately 1% in November and 1.5% in December.

Copper was much more stable over the year. Its monthly price change declined gradually from about 2% in January to around 0.5% by April, before falling slightly below zero in May and June. From July to September, copper recovered to around 1%, slipped marginally in October, and finished the year at approximately 1–1.5%.

Zinc began with a 2% increase in January, rose to 3% in February, and then eased gradually to about 1% by May. It turned slightly negative in June, remained just below zero until October, and finally recovered strongly, ending the year at around 2% in December, the highest increase among the three metals.

This graph shows that while all three metals experienced declines around the middle of the year, nickel was by far the most volatile, whereas copper remained relatively stable throughout 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student provides a clear and well-developed overview of the main trends in the line graph, accurately reporting the average monthly price changes for copper, nickel, and zinc in 2014. Key features and comparisons are well selected and supported with precise data points from the visual text, such as nickel starting at approximately 6% in January and dropping to -3% in June. The response successfully covers all parts of the task without any significant omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. The essay begins with an effective introductory statement, moves into a clear overview paragraph, followed by well-structured body paragraphs for each metal, and concludes with a concise summary. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'At the start of the year', and 'Before falling' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the data comparisons.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to describing trends and statistical data. Appropriate collocation and less common lexical items are used effectively throughout the response, such as 'month-to-month percentage change', 'fluctuated moderately', 'dropped dramatically', and 'rebounded'. Word choice is precise, and there are virtually no lexical errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'before falling to 4% in February and then declining steadily...' and 'while all three metals experienced declines...'. Punctuation is handled securely, and control over tense and syntax is consistently strong.

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