Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-30

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 6.5)

IELTS Test 4

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

Overall, all three metals fluctuated throughout the year with nickel being the most volatile. It is notable that price changes were more stable in the second half of the year compared to the first half.

In january, the price of nickel increased by 6% when compared to the previous month, after which it dropped to 4% in february and further reduced to 1% by March. It plateaued for a month before reducing slightly to about 0.8% in may and by june, it reduced drastically to -3%. Similarly, Copper marginally rose by 2% in january but reduced marginally to 1% and about 0.5% in february and march respectively. After which it the remained stable in april, decreased by almost -0.8% in may and plateaued again in June. On the other hand, zinc climbed by 1% in january, and rose again by 2% in february after which it dropped to 2% in march, around 0.6% in april, 1% in may and -1% in june.

By the second half of the year, nickel rose steadily from -3% to -1% in july while zinc and copper increased slight to about 0.4% and 1% respectively. The price in the three metals remained steady in august, after nickel reduced to -2%, zinc dropped to -1% and copper declined to about 0.8% in october. By november, nickel and zinc grew significantly by 1% and almost 1.8% respectively,while copper remained relatively stable. Nickel plateaued at 1% in december while copper rose by about 1.5% and zinc climbed slightly to 2% in december.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview of the monthly percentage changes in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinc throughout 2014. The main features are identified, such as nickel being the most volatile metal and the stabilization of prices in the second half of the year. Comparisons are made between the different metals and periods. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies in reading the specific data points from the chart (for instance, describing some downward movements that slightly misalign with the gridlines), but these do not detract from the overall accurate summary of trends. The response meets all requirements for a Band 7 level in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with a well-formulated introduction and an effective overview paragraph, followed by chronological body paragraphs dividing the year into two halves. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the data, such as 'On the other hand' and 'By the second half of the year'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different temporal sections of the graph. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional transitional phrasing could be smoother. This corresponds well to a Band 7 descriptor.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, utilizing terms like 'fluctuated', 'volatile', 'plateaued', and 'drastically'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary with varying degrees of success. Some minor inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing appear, such as 'increased slight' instead of 'increased slightly' and missing capitalization for months like 'january'. Nevertheless, the vocabulary used is sufficient to communicate the information clearly, earning a solid Band 6.5 or 6.0, rounded here to 6.5 based on flexible items like 'volatile' and 'plateaued'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory prepositional phrases ('By the second half of the year') and subordinate clauses. There are several grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the text, including capitalization oversights ('january', 'february', 'march'), punctuation omissions, and minor subject-verb or modifier confusions ('After which it the remained stable'). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout. This represents a typical Band 6 performance for grammatical range and accuracy.

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

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