Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-10

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 line graph illustrates the average monthly change in the price of three metals in 2014.

Overall, the chnage in price of copper decreased during first half of the year and then increased, while the price of the nickle fell dramatically by the mid of the year and after that experienced fluctuation. Initially, the price of the zinc rose and then decreased considerably by the july, later it increased slightly.

The price of the copper was on top in january, 6%. It fell dramatically to 1% in march and after decreased in may ,it remained unchanged in aprial. In month of june, decreased dramatically and touch -3%, ans then increased slightly and reached -1%. It remained stable for next three months and then decreased slightly. In october, rose steadily and reached 1% and remained stable for rest of the months.

The price of the zinc increased in the first month and reached 3% then decrased considerably to -1% in june. It increased silghtly in july and remained stable for next three months at -0.5%, and then decreased slightly in october. The price again increased and reached at peak, 2% in december.

The price of nickle fell gradually in first half the year, from 2% in january to -0.5% in june. It increased in july and reached 1% and remained unchanged for next three months at 1%. Decreased slightly in october and remained stable for next month. In december, increased slightly and reached around 1.8%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You provide an overview and cover all three metals, but the account is only partly accurate, which limits how fully it addresses the graph. Several key figures are assigned to the wrong metal: copper begins at 2%, not 6%, and reaches about 1% in July rather than falling to -3% in June. That sharp June fall belongs to nickel, while zinc reaches about 3% in February, not in its first month. The overview also says copper decreased in the first half and then increased, but its movement is more mixed, with a modest fall followed by a small recovery. To strengthen the response, check each series against the graph and select the main contrasts accurately, especially nickel’s large fall and the metals’ late-year recovery.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, an overview, and separate paragraphs describing the metals. This makes the information easy to locate, and time markers such as “in June,” “in October,” and “in December” help show sequence. However, the progression within the descriptions is sometimes difficult to follow because some transitions are missing or awkward, as in “after decreased in may, it remained unchanged in aprial.” The overview also groups trends in a way that does not consistently match the later details. Use clearer links to show changes and comparisons, and keep each metal’s account in chronological order. More explicit comparisons between the series would also make the organisation feel less like three disconnected lists.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a relevant range of trend vocabulary, including “increased,” “decreased,” “remained stable,” and “fluctuation,” so the reader can generally understand the intended movements. However, the range is repetitive, and several word-choice or spelling problems reduce precision: “on top” is unsuitable for describing a percentage, “touch -3%” is an unnatural collocation, and spellings such as “chnage,” “nickle,” and “decrased” are noticeable. Some descriptions also use “dramatically” for small movements, which overstates the change. Aim for more precise verbs and collocations, and distinguish a sharp fall from a slight decline. Proofreading spelling and choosing language that reflects the size of each change would make the account clearer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and more extended sentences, including clauses linked with “while,” “and then,” and “after that.” However, control is inconsistent, and errors in sentence structure and verb forms occur often enough to make some passages awkward. For example, “after decreased in may, it remained unchanged in aprial” lacks a correctly formed verb phrase, while “In month of june, decreased dramatically” has no clear subject. There are also problems with articles and prepositions, as in “in first half the year” and “reached at peak.” Use complete subject–verb sentences, maintain consistent past-tense forms, and check articles and prepositions. Shorter, accurately formed sentences would help before adding more complex structures.

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