Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line chart compares the average monthly change in the prices of Copper, nickel, and Zinc in 2014.

Overall, according to the line graph, it is evident that Copper and nickel monthly price changes were the highest in January; zinc, on the other hand, was the highest in February.

In January, Nickel had the highest monthly price change rate at 6%, followed by copper at 2%, followed by zinc at 1%. By March, the percentages of nickel and copper significantly dropped to 1% and nearly 0.75%, respectively. However, the monthly price change of Zinc rose to 3% by February, then dramatically decreased to -1% by June.

On the other hand, from March to April, the price change rate of nickel and copper remained stable. After that, the figures fell to -3% and almost -0.6 % respectively, then rose to -1% and 1 % respectively and remained the same until September. On the other hand, from September to October, the percentages of Copper, nickel, and Zinc dropped to 0.6%, -2%, and- 1%, respectively, and end of the year the figures again rose to 1.5%, 1%, and 2%, respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by reporting on the monthly changes in prices for copper, nickel, and zinc throughout 2014, and includes an overview. Key features are selected, such as nickel starting with the highest change at 6% in January and dropping significantly later in the year, and comparisons are made between the metals at various points. However, some parts of the response are more fully developed than others, and certain details are slightly imprecise or under-developed, such as grouping multiple months together towards the end of the year without detailing all the individual fluctuations shown in the chart. To reach a higher level, the response would need to select and highlight the most salient trends even more clearly while maintaining greater precision across all reported data points.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt to structure the information logically, starting with an introductory overview followed by specific month-by-month breakdowns. Paragraphing is utilised to separate different time periods. However, cohesion is at times mechanical or somewhat repetitive, relying heavily on transitional phrases like 'On the other hand' multiple times in close proximity, which does not always accurately reflect contrasting data. Referencing and progression are generally clear, but the links between sentences can feel slightly disjointed. To achieve a higher band, the logical flow between sentences and paragraphs must be managed more flexibly, reducing reliance on repetitive cohesive devices and ensuring that contrasting or progressive relationships are introduced more naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to successfully describe trends and data points such as 'highest monthly price change rate', 'significantly dropped', and 'remained stable'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary and precise reporting terms, accompanied by some inaccuracies in word choice, form, or expression, such as 'end of the year the figures again rose' where a preposition is missing. Spelling is generally accurate, and the vocabulary choices do not impede communication. To move to the next level, the writer needs to demonstrate a more flexible and precise range of less common lexical items with fewer errors in collocation and phrasing, allowing for a more sophisticated description of statistical data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating clauses and introductory time markers effectively. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation throughout the text, such as missing prepositions in time expressions ('at end of the year') and minor punctuation slips around numbers and percentages. However, these errors are relatively infrequent and rarely impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the intended meaning. To reach a higher band, the writer must incorporate a wider variety of complex structures with greater frequency of error-free sentences, alongside tighter control over prepositions and punctuation within complex grammatical patterns.

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

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