Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-02

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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average monthly changes in the prices of three different metals throughout 2014.

Overall, nickel experienced the greatest fluctuations, while copper showed the most stable pattern. All three metals declined around the middle of the year before recovering towards December.

In January, nickel recorded the highest increase, at 6%, before falling to 4% in February and 1% in March. It remained stable until May, then dropped to -3% in June. It recovered gradually, reaching around -1% from July to September, before rising to approximately 1% in November and December.

Copper experienced relatively minor changes, declining from 2% in January to 0.5% in May and slightly below zero in June. It then recovered to around 1% from July to September and ended at roughly 1.5%. Meanwhile, zinc rose from 1% to 3% between January and February, before falling steadily to -1% in June and recovering to 2% by December.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across all three metals. The overview captures the overall trends accurately, noting nickel's volatility and copper's relative stability, as well as the mid-year dip followed by an end-of-year recovery. Key data points, such as nickel starting at 6% in January and dropping to -3% in June, are correctly cited from the graph. The ideas are well-extended and supported with appropriate figures, though a slightly broader selection of supporting details for zinc could have further strengthened the task response. Overall, the information is accurately selected and well-presented.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The introduction effectively paraphrases the prompt, and the overview paragraph successfully highlights the main global trends before individual details are examined in subsequent paragraphs. Paragraphing is used logically, with each metal receiving dedicated focus or clear integration. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'before falling', and 'It then recovered' are used flexibly to connect ideas smoothly, guiding the reader effortlessly through the data without mechanical repetition.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic task. Less common items and functional reporting vocabulary are employed effectively, such as 'fluctuations', 'relatively minor changes', 'declining', and 'recovering gradually'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and phrases like 'average monthly changes' and 'highest increase' demonstrate good control. Minor errors are absent, and the language remains appropriate for a formal report, though incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms would elevate the register further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, with frequent error-free constructions. The student demonstrates solid control of past tense forms and time-related prepositional phrases, such as 'throughout 2014', 'in January', and 'between January and February'. Subordinate clauses and participial phrases are integrated smoothly to convey trends efficiently (e.g., 'before falling steadily to -1% in June and recovering to 2% by December'). Grammar and punctuation are well-managed throughout, with no intrusive errors hindering comprehension.

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