Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-13

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 4.5)

The graph gives information about the monthly prices of copper, nickel and zinc. The changes occur in the prices of metals during 2014.

Overall, the graph represents twelve months starts from January and ends to the December. It compares the present price with the previous month and change in price. It is represented by three types of lines like dot, cross etc. It is also divided into three metals like copper, nickle, and zinc.

Firstly, the graph illustrates into months and the price compared with previous month. In January, the copper reaches to the 2 percent with the previous one. In the next month it show declined trend. In June, it has 0 percent change in price with the compared one. Lastly, In October, is has the maximum value with the previous month. As compared to previous, Nickel reaches to the 6 percent with the previous one. In the next month it also show declined trend. In June, it show the declined trend.

So, In January, the nickel has become the highest price as compared to the copper and zinc. In June it become declined.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response identifies the three metals and makes a few relevant observations, including nickel’s high January figure and its subsequent decline. However, it reports the graph only minimally and includes important inaccuracies: copper is said to have a 0% change in June, although it is about −0.5%, and October is described as its maximum, although copper peaks in January and December. The overview mainly explains the chart’s format rather than summarising its main trends. It also omits the broad pattern that all three metals fall into negative territory around June and recover towards the end of the year. To strengthen the response, give an accurate overview and compare the metals’ key rises, falls and turning points.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

The response has paragraphs and uses basic sequencing words such as “Overall,” “Firstly,” and “So,” which gives it some visible organisation. However, the ideas do not progress coherently from an overview to a clear comparison of the data. The second paragraph mostly describes the graph’s layout, while the later paragraphs move between copper and nickel without a consistent structure; zinc is not discussed in the data description. Some references are unclear, as in “the previous one” and “In June, it become declined.” Organise the report around the overall pattern, then compare the metals across the main stages of the year. Use linking phrases to show contrasts and changes rather than repeating the same sequence for each metal.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary is sufficient to identify the chart’s subject and describe basic movement, with terms such as “declined trend,” “maximum value,” and “compared to” showing an attempt to use task-related language. However, the range is limited and several phrases are unnatural or imprecise, which sometimes makes the intended meaning difficult to follow. For example, “the copper reaches to the 2 percent with the previous one” does not clearly express a monthly percentage change, and “the nickel has become the highest price” confuses a change in price with the price itself. Spelling is also inconsistent in “nickle.” Build a more precise set of expressions for percentage changes, peaks, falls and recovery, and use them consistently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response relies mainly on short, simple sentences and shows limited control of verb forms, agreement and sentence construction. Errors occur frequently, as in “the graph represents twelve months starts” and “In the next month it show declined trend”; these make some statements awkward or unclear. The sentence “In October, is has the maximum value” also contains an incorrect verb form and an incomplete subject structure. Capitalisation after commas and sentence boundaries is inconsistent, for example “Lastly, In October” and “So, In January.” There are attempts to connect ideas, but more accurate control is needed. Practise clear comparative sentences using structures such as “while,” “whereas” and “after,” checking subject–verb agreement and tense.

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