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 change in the prices of copper, Nickel and zinc during 2014.
Overall, all the three metals recorded a sharp decline in the month of June. However, Nickel prices plummeted than all other metals. In the months of July to September, the metals recorded a stable price.
In January, Nickel price change was recorded at 6%. It dropped sharply to 1% in the month of March. The prices relatively remained stable till June where it decreased by -3%. The prices change then steadily rose by -1% in the next month where they remained unchanged for three months. In the month of October, the price changed by -2% . The remaining months its price change stood at 1%.
Copper and Zinc had almost the same price change in all months. However in February Copper recorded an increase in the price change from 1 to 3% whereas Zinc recorded a drop from 2 to 1%. These two metals kept recording a slight decrease in the price change till the month of July where copper price change stood at 1% and Zinc was slightly above -1%. The prices remained unchanged till the last two months of the year where they slightly increased by 2%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student successfully addresses the main parts of the task by reporting the overall trends and key features of the graph, such as the sharp decline for all metals in June. An overview is provided, and comparisons between the three metals are attempted. However, there are some inaccuracies in reading the data points. For instance, the student states that Nickel prices 'plummeted than all other metals' and incorrectly describes some of the monthly figures, such as stating that Nickel price change rose by -1% or that Copper and Zinc had almost the same price change in all months when they frequently diverged. Nevertheless, the response covers the general scope of the chart satisfactorily, earning a solid Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response is arranged logically into introduction, overview, and body paragraphs, providing a coherent overall structure. Paragraphing is utilised to separate the analysis of Nickel from Copper and Zinc. However, cohesion is at times mechanical or faulty. The transition 'However in February Copper recorded an increase...' lacks appropriate punctuation, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the pronoun use in 'where they remained unchanged'. Cohesive devices are used, but sometimes with awkward phrasing. Overall, the organization is clear enough to follow without difficulty, matching the criteria for a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate descriptive terms such as 'sharp decline', 'plummeted', 'stable', and 'steadily rose'. The student attempts some less common vocabulary items like 'plummeted' and 'relatively remained stable'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'price change was recorded at 6%' instead of the price changing by 6%, and logical inconsistencies like 'rose by -1%'. Spelling is generally accurate. The lexical range is sufficient to convey the main points, fitting the Band 6.0 descriptor.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures such as 'In the months of July to September, the metals recorded a stable price' and 'However in February Copper recorded an increase in the price change...'. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as missing commas after introductory prepositional phrases ('In January, Nickel price change...'), incorrect prepositions, and logical contradictions in phrasing like 'rose by -1%'. However, these errors do not impede overall communication. The grammatical control reflects a standard Band 6.0 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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