Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-18

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 graph below illustrates, the average monthly change in the price of three metals during 2014.

Overall, this report reveals comparison between three metals copper, nickel and zinc on monthly prices change in 2014. The highest price of nickel was changed in January was about 6% however, it decreased with the time and lowest price in July was about 3%. Moreover on the second number is copper highest amount was changed in January was about 2% as well as the copper prices also decreased during 2014 with time and lowest price in May and June was about 0% change. In addition, the Zinc prices was also decreased with time during 2014 the highest price in February was about 3% as well as the lowest price in July and October.

Additionally, the prices of metals was reached lowest level with time during 2014. However, the downfall in the metals prices are remaind during 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify all three metals and report several relevant figures, including nickel’s January peak of about 6% and copper’s January rise of about 2%. However, the account only partially captures the graph’s main features. The overview says prices generally decreased, but this misses the shared pattern of falling into mid-year and recovering toward the end; copper, for example, rises from around 1% in July to 1.5% in December. Some details are inaccurate: nickel reaches its lowest point in June, at about −3%, not July at about 3%, and copper’s May and June values are around −0.5%, not 0%. The ending repeats the decline rather than summarising the full trend. Select and compare the key turning points more accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The response has a basic sequence: it introduces the graph, discusses the metals, and ends with a general comment. This gives the reader some organisation, and linking expressions such as “Moreover” and “In addition” show an attempt to connect points. However, there is little clear progression between the details and the conclusion, and the final two sentences repeat the idea that prices fell. The long middle section combines several comparisons in one paragraph, making relationships between figures difficult to follow. Some transitions, including “on the second number,” do not clearly signal the intended comparison. Group the metals’ shared mid-year decline and later recovery, and use separate, focused paragraphs with clear references to months and values.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant topic vocabulary such as “average monthly change,” “price,” “decreased,” and “lowest level,” so the reader can identify the subject and general direction. However, the range is limited and several phrases are unnatural or imprecise, including “on the second number,” “highest amount was changed,” and “downfall in the metals prices.” Repetition of “prices,” “changed,” and “with time” also limits flexibility. Some word choices obscure the intended meaning: “lowest price … about 3%” does not make clear that nickel’s change was negative. Use precise terms for percentage movements, such as “fell,” “reached a low,” and “recovered,” and distinguish a price level from a percentage change.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt longer sentences and use some linking clauses, for example, “The highest price of nickel was changed in January … however, it decreased with the time.” However, the range is limited, and errors in sentence construction, tense, agreement, articles, and punctuation occur frequently enough to make parts difficult to interpret. Examples include “the highest price of nickel was changed,” “the Zinc prices was,” and “the downfall … are remaind.” The opening comma after “illustrates” is also unnecessary, while several long sentences join ideas without clear punctuation. Practise concise comparative structures such as “Nickel rose to 6% in January before falling to −3% in June.” Check subject–verb agreement and use past-tense verbs consistently when describing the 2014 data.

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