Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the shift in cost of three metals on monthly basis during 2014 .

Overall, whereas steady decline in price of Nickel was noticed after January, Copper's cost showed fluctuations throughout the period .Zinc was considered the most expensive metal in December .All three metals stayed at constant price in seventh, eightieth and nineth month .

In 2014, the figure for copper continually decreased from 2% to -1.50 % from January to may .It stayed constant during may and june .Then increased to 1 percent in july and remained stable at the point for next two months .Nickel recorded its highest price in January but fell sharply from 6% to approximately 1 in may.

The price of zinc rosed to 2% in February whereas ,it declined steadily throughout the period until October. The price of zinc peaked in December with 4% change in price . The cost of nickel fluctuated during three minths and experience a dramatic decline falling from nearly 1 % to -3 % . Although it rose to -1% in july and kept same price for a while , it declined to -2% in October. The figure rose sharply from -2% to 1 % in November , followed in December

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the chart’s subject and include some relevant comparisons, such as nickel’s high January figure and its sharp fall, and copper’s recovery after mid-year. However, the overview contains important inaccuracies: nickel did not decline steadily after January, and the three metals were not all constant in July, August and September. Several figures are also misreported: copper fell only to about -0.5%, not -1.5%; zinc reached about 2% in December, not 4%; and zinc did not decline steadily to October. The account also ends without completing the December nickel trend. To make the summary more complete and accurate, select the main overall patterns and check each stated value against the graph before describing it.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has an introduction, an overview and separate detail paragraphs, so there is some organisation and the reader can identify which metal is being discussed. However, progression is uneven: the overview makes broad claims that are not supported by the details, and the final paragraph moves between zinc and nickel, making comparisons harder to follow. Linking is sometimes awkward or incomplete, as in “Although it rose to -1% in july and kept same price for a while, it declined to -2% in October,” followed by an unfinished “followed in December.” Organise the details consistently by metal or by time period, and use clear transitions to show how each trend develops.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of chart-related vocabulary, including “fluctuations,” “remained stable,” “peaked” and “declined,” which helps communicate changes in prices. However, several word choices or forms are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “shift in cost,” “the price of zinc rosed,” and “three minths.” Some expressions also obscure the intended meaning: “Zinc was considered the most expensive metal” suggests an absolute price comparison, whereas the graph shows monthly percentage changes. Use precise language for percentage movements and check spelling and collocations. For example, describe a value as “the monthly change in zinc’s price” rather than calling zinc the most expensive metal.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mixture of simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast with “whereas” and a time clause beginning “Although.” However, errors are frequent and sometimes make relationships unclear. The opening overview lacks a subject and verb in “whereas steady decline in price of Nickel was noticed,” while “All three metals stayed at constant price” is missing an article. There are also tense and sentence-completion problems, particularly the final fragment “followed in December,” and inconsistent punctuation and spacing interrupt the flow. Practise complete sentence patterns, articles and consistent past-tense reporting. Ensure each sentence has a clear subject and finite verb, especially when joining trends with “whereas” or “although.”

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