Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-04

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 given line grap illustrates monthly prices of three metals during 2014.

Overall, Nickel was one of the most expensive metal in January and this fraction was inclined over the period, while proportion of Copper and Zinc fluctuated in the whole time period.

To begin with, in the first month of 2014 Copper was the expensive metal as compared to upcoming months, acconted for 2% but from February month, ratio was decreased till July, which was only 1%, same as August and September also, while again fraction was decreased except December because in December ratio was up to 1%. Furthermore, Nickel was one of the most expensive metal in January, accounted for 6% but this figure declined suprisingly till June. In july, August and september this fraction same which was -1% but at the end of the year in December, price of Nickel rose , which was 1%. The figure of the Zinc however fluctuate over the period. In January the figure was 1% but from February this ratio fell till October except July, August and September, while in October, November and December price of Zinc increased, accounted for 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task only partially. While the student attempts to summarise the information by mentioning the three metals, the interpretation of the graph contains significant inaccuracies. The student misinterprets the y-axis, which clearly shows percentage changes compared to the previous month, as absolute prices (e.g., stating that 'Copper was the expensive metal... acconted for 2%'). Furthermore, the trends described do not accurately reflect the visual data, and some parts are confused or under-developed. To move to a higher band, the writer must correctly interpret the data axes and provide a more accurate and clear overview of the main features and trends shown in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some organisation, but clear overall progression is lacking. The response is divided into paragraphs, starting with an introduction followed by a body paragraph attempting to detail the data. However, cohesive devices are often mechanical, repetitive, or inaccurate, such as the frequent use of 'while', 'furthermore', and repetitive phrases like 'this fraction was inclined' or 'this ratio fell'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the mechanical transitions hinder the smooth flow of information. To achieve a higher band, the student should ensure logical sequencing throughout and use a wider, more natural variety of cohesive devices without over-relying on basic connectors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and minimally adequate for the task. The student relies heavily on basic terminology and repeats words such as 'fraction', 'ratio', and 'figure' inappropriately to describe percentage changes. There are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'grap' for graph, 'acconted' for accounted, and 'inclined' used incorrectly for data movement. These errors occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. To improve, the student needs to build a wider range of vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'decreased', or 'growth', and use precise terms like 'percentage change' rather than 'ratio'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response shows a limited range of structures, relying mostly on simple sentences and basic complex forms. Attempts at more complex structures frequently result in faulty grammar, such as in the sentence 'In july, August and september this fraction same which was -1%'. There are frequent errors in verb forms, prepositions, articles, and spelling (e.g., 'grap', 'acconted', 'suprisingly'). These errors can cause some difficulty and strain for the reader. To progress, the writer must aim for greater accuracy in basic grammatical patterns, improve subject-verb agreement, and exercise better control over sentence construction.

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

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