Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-20

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 illustrates the average monthly change in the amount of three different metals: Copper, Nickel, Zinc in 2014.

From an overall perspective, Nickel had the higest price in month of January below that copper and Zinc had lowest one in same month. Further it fluctuated in prices for several months in December Copper had take spot of first and nickel is lowest-one.

To begin with, In January 2014 Nickel had the higest price change around 6% compared to Copper which is 2% and Zinc recorded 1%. Further it change in upcoming months in February Nickel drop to 4% and Zinc increase to 2% more and reach to 3%, while copper felt to 1%. Over the months it felt and fluctuated for some months and decrease in prices.

Furthermore, June Nickel recorded its lowest price change -3% same as Zinc -1% but Copper remains steady with close to 1%. In July, August, September there is no change in in all three metals in last month December Zinc over and aquire higest change with price 2% and Copper with Close to 2% on the other hand Nickel with only 1% in 2014.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the three metals and include some relevant figures, notably nickel’s January peak of about 6% and its June low of around -3%. However, the overview is unclear and contains inaccurate comparisons: copper and zinc were not at their lowest in January, and copper did not take first place in December—zinc was highest at about 2%, while copper was around 1.5%. The claim that there was “no change” from July to September is also incorrect; the lines are mostly stable, but their values differ. Several trends are left vague, such as “it felt and fluctuated,” so the response only partly reports the main features. Give a precise overview and select key movements across the year.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic structure, with an introduction, an overview and two detail paragraphs, and it moves broadly from the start of the year to the end. This gives the reader some organisation. However, progression is weakened by unclear links and abrupt shifts. For example, “Further it fluctuated in prices for several months in December” combines a general trend with a specific month without explaining the relationship. The repeated “Further” and “Furthermore” do little to show how the information is connected, while the final sentence is difficult to follow. Grouping the data into clear phases—early-year changes, the mid-year decline and the late-year recovery—and using more precise comparisons would make the account easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “fluctuated,” “recorded,” “lowest” and “price change,” so the reader can recognise the topic and several trends. However, the range is limited and word choice or spelling errors sometimes make the meaning difficult to interpret. Examples include “higest,” “felt” where “fell” is intended, “take spot of first,” and “aquire higest change.” Phrases such as “no change” are also imprecise when the lines show stable but non-zero changes. Aim for accurate trend language and natural collocations, such as “reached a peak,” “declined to,” “remained relatively stable” and “recovered.” Check spelling carefully, especially for repeated key terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt some longer sentences using “while,” “but” and “on the other hand,” as in the comparison of February figures. However, complex sentences are often faulty, and errors in verb forms, articles, agreement and punctuation frequently interrupt the message. For example, “Nickel had the higest price in month of January” needs an article and a clearer noun phrase, while “Copper had take spot of first” has an incorrect verb construction. The sentence beginning “In July, August, September” also lacks a clear grammatical structure and ends with an incomplete comparison. Build accuracy first with clear subject–verb sentences, then combine related facts using correctly formed clauses and consistent past-tense reporting.

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