Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-12

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 compares the percentage change in price of three metals during 2014.

Overall, The price of nickle fluctuated during the period of 12 month whereas, copper and zinc price remaind nearly same at the end of period compared to the price in beginning.

The nickle price stood at 6% in the january 2014 and then within two month price drop suddenly to 1%. the price remain stable for two months before falling minus 3%. It taken 5 months to recover the price and reach 1% for the end of period. Whereas, Copper price stood at 2% in beginning and decreased slightly till the may 2014. And the price stable in june then it start rising and stopped at 1%. For the rest of period price remain stable and stood up to 1% at the end of 2014.

For, zinc the price started with 1% and rose in next month to reach 3%. Then it starts falling till june and stopped at minus 1%. After this price started recovering in octomber and at the end of december it reached at 2%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the graph’s subject and provide an overview that contrasts nickel’s greater fluctuation with copper and zinc ending near their starting levels. You also report several key movements, including nickel’s sharp early decline and zinc’s rise to 3% before falling. However, some details are inaccurate or unclear: nickel reaches -3% in June and recovers to -1% in July, then stays there through September; it does not take five months to recover to 1%, as stated. Copper also rises to 1% in July and remains around that level, while zinc’s recovery begins in November, not October. The overview could be more informative by highlighting the metals’ contrasting peaks and mid-year falls. More precise reporting of these stages would make the response more complete and reliable.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, an overview, and separate descriptions of nickel, copper, and zinc. This makes the main subject easy to follow, and sequencing words such as “then,” “after this,” and “at the end” help show changes over time. However, some linking is mechanical or awkward, particularly the repeated use of “then” and the sentence beginning “For, zinc.” The overview’s “whereas” construction is also not smoothly connected, and the nickel and copper descriptions contain several movements in long sequences that could be divided or grouped more clearly. Use paragraphing consistently and organise each metal’s account around its main stages—early movement, mid-year low, and year-end position—to improve progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for describing trends, including “fluctuated,” “decreased slightly,” “falling,” “stable,” and “recovering.” These choices show an adequate range for the task, and the reader can generally understand the intended movements. However, some word choices and collocations are imprecise, such as “recover the price,” “stopped at minus 3%,” and “stood up to 1%.” Repetition of “price” and “started” also limits flexibility. There are noticeable spelling errors, including “nickle,” “remaind,” and “octomber,” which reduce accuracy. Aim for standard graph-reporting phrases such as “the figure fell to” or “the rate recovered to,” and check spelling carefully. More precise vocabulary would help distinguish a rise, a fall, a low point, and a stable period.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more extended sentences, and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, with frequent errors in verb forms, articles, agreement, and sentence construction. For example, “the price remain stable” should use a past-tense verb, while “It taken 5 months” needs a correctly formed verb phrase. The opening overview also has faulty punctuation and structure: “whereas” is used after a comma without a well-formed contrast. Articles and time expressions are often missing or awkward, as in “in the january 2014” and “at the end of period.” Use the past tense consistently for this completed year, and practise accurate clauses with “while” or “whereas.” Proofreading sentence boundaries and verb forms would improve clarity.

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