Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-05
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 4.0)
The line chart compares the average monthly change in the cost of three different metals across 2014.
Overall, the percentage change in all metal prices is quite same across all months that it is decline first and then increase. However, nickle shows a drastic change in percentage from decline to increase ansd match the others.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 3.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, stopping at only 55 words. Because of this extreme brevity, the task is addressed only minimally. While the student attempts to provide an overview of the line chart comparing copper, nickel, and zinc prices in 2014, key features and specific data comparisons are largely omitted. There is a general statement about fluctuations, but no concrete figures or detailed trends are presented. To improve, the writer must ensure they write at least 150 words, select prominent data points from the visual input, and provide a fully developed overview and detailed comparisons between the three metal price changes throughout the year.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5
The response is divided into very brief introductory and concluding sections, but the lack of development prevents any clear logical progression. Cohesive devices are minimal, with words like 'Overall' and 'However' used to attempt a structural flow. However, referencing is unclear, particularly in phrases like 'match the others', which leaves the reader confused about the relationship between the ideas. Paragraphing is attempted, but the extreme shortness of the text means that cohesion cannot be properly established across a full essay. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to expand the response into well-structured paragraphs with clear logical links between sentences and a smoother flow of information.
Lexical Resource: Band 4.5
The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, such as 'average', 'monthly', 'change', and 'prices'. There are noticeable spelling and word choice errors, including 'nickle' (spelling of nickel), 'ansd' (and), and the awkward collocation 'quite same'. These errors and the limited range of vocabulary restrict the response to a basic level. The student attempts some less common terms like 'drastic change', but the overall lexical range remains limited. To improve, the student should incorporate a wider variety of vocabulary related to data trends and fluctuations, such as 'fluctuate', 'decline', 'surge', and 'stabilise', while ensuring accurate spelling and word forms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as using concessive clauses with 'However'. However, there are notable grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'is quite same across all months that it is decline first and then increase', which contains tense confusion and missing articles. Punctuation and word formation within grammatical patterns also show lapses. Because the output is so short, the range of grammar demonstrated is severely restricted. To reach a higher band, the student must produce a greater variety of complex sentence forms with improved accuracy in verb tenses, prepositions, and articles.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.