Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the monthly frequent change in the prices of the three metals during the year 2014.

overall, nickel had the most percentage of changes in price in the beginning of the year and later in the end of the year it shared the least percentage of price changes. while, zinc had the lowest price changes in the initial period but ended up getting the highest price changes in the end of the year.

firstly, nickel prices were changed about 6% in the january, experiencing a continues dip till june with a negative percentage of 3 % later rose significantly upto 1% by december. while zinc was at the lowest in the percentage of changes in prices with only 1% , faced a dip till october with a negative percentage of 1%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response only partially addresses the task and fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, stopping short at 134 words. While the writer attempts an overview and mentions some trends for nickel and zinc, copper is largely neglected in the body paragraphs. The selection of data is incomplete and lacks key comparisons across the three metals. To reach a higher band, the writer must ensure all parts of the prompt are covered, provide a well-developed overview of all three data series, and meet the word count requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organization with an introductory sentence, an overview paragraph, and a body paragraph starting with sequence markers like 'firstly'. However, there is no clear overall progression and the essay ends abruptly due to the short length. Cohesive devices are used mechanically and repetitive structures appear. Paragraphing is attempted, but the final section is inadequately developed. To improve, the writer needs to logically sequence ideas across the text, use a wider variety of cohesive ties more naturally, and structure the response into a clear, balanced format with distinct paragraphs for main features.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is limited and just minimally adequate for the task, containing noticeable errors such as 'monthly frequent change' and 'percentage of changes'. There are also awkward word choices and phrasing like 'shared the least percentage of price changes'. These lexical slips and inaccuracies occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher band, the writer should expand their lexical range by incorporating precise, task-specific terminology for describing data trends, such as 'fluctuations', 'peak', 'decline', and 'considerable variation', while ensuring correct word formation and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, relying heavily on simple or awkwardly constructed complex forms that often contain errors. Examples of faulty grammar include 'nickel prices were changed about 6% in the january, experiencing a continues dip' and missing articles or incorrect prepositions. Frequent errors in punctuation, verb forms, and passive/active voice usage can cause difficulty for the reader. To progress, the writer needs to practice using a wider mix of error-free simple and complex sentences, paying closer attention to subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and the correct use of prepositions.

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

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