Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The graph illustrates the percentage change in prices of three metals in each month during 2014.

Overall, prices for copper and nickel decreased by the year end, nickel suffered from drastic depreciation after fluctuating wildly throughout the year. Zinc too fluctuated coniderably, however its prices increased by the end of the year.

The prices for copper decreased steadily from 2% in january to 1% in february and then 0.5% in march. Similarly, figures for nickel were at 6% in january, these dropped to 4% and then to 1% in february and march. However, prices for zinc changed from 1% in first month to 3% in second and then decreased steadily till the fifth month to 1% again. Copper and zinc also decreased in april and may and reached -0.5% and 1% respectively.

In the next month the prices for nickel and zinc plummeted to -3% and -1% and then increased and remained constant for three months. Afterwards, prices increased for these metals following a slight decrease and ended up at 1% and 2% respectively. Although, figures for copper with same price in june, increased stayed same for 3 months and again decreased. Then, again increased and remained at 1.5% in december.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the task partially by outlining some of the main trends shown in the graph, such as the initial values for copper and nickel. However, the selection of data is sometimes uneven and lacks a fully developed overview. While you attempted to provide a summary of the general direction of prices in the second paragraph, some details in the body paragraphs are vague or under-developed, and certain trends are described in a confusing manner without fully contextualising the comparisons between the three metals. To move to a higher level, you should ensure all key features are clearly highlighted and supported with precise, relevant data points, and present a more cohesive and comprehensive overview of the main trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates some overall organisation with paragraphs dedicated to different parts of the chart, but there is a lack of clear progression throughout the response. Cohesive devices are sometimes used mechanically or repetitively, such as the frequent reliance on sequence words like 'then' and 'and then' to link sentences. Referencing is also occasionally unclear, making it difficult to follow which metal is being referred to in certain comparisons. To improve coherence, you should use a wider variety of cohesive devices more naturally and ensure that each paragraph builds logically upon the previous one with clear signposting of time and trends.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is minimally adequate for the task, with attempts to describe trends using words like 'fluctuated', 'plummeted', and 'depreciation'. However, there are noticeable lexical errors, including a spelling mistake ('coniderably' instead of 'considerably') and occasional awkward word choices or collocations. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and less common lexical items are not used with complete precision. To reach a higher band, you need to incorporate a wider and more flexible range of vocabulary, including precise terms for describing data changes, while eliminating spelling and word-choice errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty or awkwardly constructed, such as 'Although, figures for copper with same price in june, increased stayed same for 3 months and again decreased.' There are frequent errors in grammar, punctuation, and article usage, including missing prepositions ('in january') and incorrect verb forms. These frequent errors can occasionally cause some difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher score, you should focus on increasing the variety of error-free complex sentences, ensuring correct subject-verb agreement, and improving punctuation and prepositions in your descriptions of statistical data.

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

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