Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-01

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 5.0)

The provided line graph illustrates the average monthly change in the prices of three different metals namely, copper, nickel, and zinc.

Overall, the nickel stood at the highest point making it the largest element of the of the january as compared to the Zinc which is at the lowest point. Although, a gradual decrease have been noticed in the trend of the nickel, and this trend fluctuate over the year. In addition, fluctuation have been noticed in all three elements throughout the year.

In january, nickel stood at the highest point 6% making it the largest element of the year. Although this trend decrease and reaches the 4%, as compared to the copper which is the second largest element of the year. Moreover the fluctuation has been seen in all three elements.

However, there is a gradual decrease in the nickel percentage -3% in june reaches its lowest level as compared to the copper and zinc. Although there is a fluctuation has been seen in copper in all over the year, about -1% in june making it the second lowest trend.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response makes an attempt to discuss the graph, but it only addresses the task partially. While the writer mentions some data points, such as nickel starting at 6 percent in January and dropping to minus 3 percent in June, the overall reporting lacks clarity and overview. Several descriptions are confused or inaccurate when compared to the actual visual data, and the selection of main features is disjointed. The position is not always clear, and the ideas are limited and under-developed. To move to a higher level, the writer needs to provide a clear overview of main trends rather than focusing excessively on isolated figures, and ensure all data points cited accurately reflect the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is some organisation evident in the attempt to break the response into introductory and body paragraphs, but there is no clear overall progression. The use of cohesive devices is repetitive and frequently inaccurate, with words like 'although' and 'moreover' misused to connect unrelated statements. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion within paragraphs is weak, making it difficult for the reader to follow the logical development of ideas. For instance, sentences are abruptly linked without a clear sense of transition or chronological flow. To improve, the writer should focus on logically sequencing information, avoiding repetitive transitional phrases, and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus that progresses the overall report.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task. The writer relies heavily on basic and repetitive terms such as 'highest point', 'trend', and 'fluctuation'. There are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as referring to metals as 'elements' ('the largest element of the year') and incorrect prepositions or collocations. Spelling is generally acceptable, but vocabulary control is weak, which occasionally causes confusion for the reader. To achieve a higher band, the writer must expand their lexical range by incorporating more precise vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'peak', 'plummet', 'gradual decline', and 'stabilise', while using these terms accurately within appropriate collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures. While there are a few simple sentences that are understandable, attempts at more complex structures are frequently faulty. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout the text, including tense inconsistencies, missing articles ('in january', 'in june'), awkward relative clauses, and poor subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'fluctuation have been noticed'). These frequent errors can cause difficulty for the reader and obscure the intended meaning. To improve, the writer needs to work on basic sentence construction, ensure correct use of tense and agreement, and practice accurate punctuation and article usage before attempting complex structures.

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