Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The graph illustrates the average monthly price change of three different mentals in the year 2014.

Overall, nickel showed a downward trend with the most declining ratio, showing a definite decrease in price while others such as copper and zinc remained almost identical from the start till the end of period, while zinc comprising as the most stable metal.

First one comprises of the metal with the most frequent change, nickel, which was typically 6% at the beginning of january, conversely having an absolute fall to -3 in the month of june. Afterwards, it started to rise with moderate downfalls in trends between years july, August and September with -1% before december where the price ranges about 1% differing from the pervious month.

Second one is copper, showing 2% shift in price compared with the past month at the start, thus flowing with a moderate trend pattern between the months of July to September with a price ratio of 1%, whereas February to June showed peak downsidedness of the trend below zero but contributes a 1.5% increase in price by the end of December.

Last one consists of the metal zinc which represented 1% , while moving with a higher pattern resulting a 3% in February, however after that it caused a downward trend and rose again in december with an average proportion of 2% as some change in its price pattern.

Hence, the most unstable metal with a downward trend pattern was nickel in 2014, copper as defining with the most stable bracket whereas zinc contributes highest price change of these three metals, comprising a trend of 2% by the end of December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student makes a notable spelling error in the opening sentence ('mentals' instead of 'metals') and mischaracterises some overarching trends in the overview, stating that nickel showed the 'most declining ratio' while calling zinc 'the most stable metal', which is somewhat contradictory to the graph where nickel and zinc fluctuated significantly. However, all three metals (copper, nickel, and zinc) are identified, and individual monthly figures and movements are reported with reasonable accuracy across the body paragraphs. The overview attempts to highlight key features, though some comparisons are slightly confused. The response addresses all parts of the prompt adequately, satisfying the main requirements for Task Achievement at a Band 6.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay is divided into an introduction, an overview paragraph, three distinct body paragraphs for each metal, and a concluding summary. This provides a clear overall structure and logical framework. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'Overall', 'First one', 'Second one', 'Last one', and 'Hence', though some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. Referencing is occasionally slightly unclear, for example using 'First one comprises of the metal' rather than smoother noun phrases. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and individual metal descriptions, supporting coherence throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to discuss percentages, increases, decreases, and fluctuations. However, there is a spelling error in the very first sentence ('mentals') and several awkward collocations and non-standard expressions, such as 'most declining ratio', 'peak downsidedness', and 'highest price change of these three metals'. Less common lexical items are attempted but not always used naturally or accurately. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points, but errors in word choice and spelling prevent the response from achieving a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating various clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'showing a definite decrease in price while others such as copper and zinc remained almost identical'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the text, such as 'zinc comprising as the most stable metal', 'First one comprises of the metal with the most frequent change', and 'between years july, August and September with -1% before december where the price ranges about 1%'. Punctuation and capitalization are occasionally inconsistent ('january', 'december'). These errors do not entirely impede communication but occur frequently enough to restrict the score to Band 5.5.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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