Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates the percentage of standard monthly change in the expenditures of the metals: Copper, Nickel and Zinc in the year 2014.

Overall, it is visible that the price of all of the three metals experienced an erratic pattern over the year in contrast to the previous month. However, the expense of nickel witnessed a sharp declination with some major fluctuations.

In January month, the change in price of nickel was the highest, accounting for 6%, which fell to around 1 % in the month of May. This figure remained nearly unchanged before dropped to -3% in June. After that, in the next month, the line increased slightly, lebelled off for following two months and after a declination in October it stood at 1% both for November and December months.

in terms of Copper and Zinc, both showed roughly a similar trend. In january the change in expenditure of Copper was just 2%. With some rise and fall for the years since the figure rose to 1% in July and remained similar for the following two months. It stood at around 1.5% by December. The change of expense of Zinc was 1% in January month which peaked at 3% in February and with some noticeable fluctuations reached to 2% in december month.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and providing relevant comparisons. The overview captures the overall erratic pattern of the three metals, though it incorrectly refers to percentage changes in price as 'expenditures'. The specific details regarding nickel, copper, and zinc are largely accurate based on the visual data provided, noting key high and low points such as nickel starting at 6% in January and dropping to -3% in June. However, some data references are a bit vague or imprecise (e.g., 'With some rise and fall for the years since the figure rose to 1% in July'). Overall, the response covers the key trends adequately, earning a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0, rounded to 6.5 for minor inaccuracies in data reporting and terminology.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overall statement, a body paragraph dedicated to nickel, and a final body paragraph covering copper and zinc. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'In January month', 'After that', and 'in terms of Copper and Zinc'. However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical or awkward, as seen with 'With some rise and fall for the years since the figure rose'. Paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear logical progression throughout the text, satisfying the criteria for Band 6.5 to 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items such as 'erratic pattern', 'sharp declination', and 'noticeable fluctuations'. However, there are notable lexical inaccuracies and inappropriate word choices, such as using 'expenditures' instead of 'prices' or 'percentage changes', and a spelling error ('lebelled off' instead of 'levelled off'). Repetition of phrases like 'in January month' and 'in december month' also occurs. These vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing the response firmly at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing introductory clauses and relative time markers. There are, however, several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the response, such as 'before dropped to -3%' (missing subject/auxiliary), 'In January month' (unnatural collocation), and missing prepositions or incorrect capitalization ('in january'). While these errors are noticeable and detract from precision, they rarely impede overall communication, reflecting the characteristics of Band 6.0.

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

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