Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-22

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 graph depicts the average changes of three metal prices in a month during 2014.

Overall, the the graph shows a decrease in all metal prices like copper, nickel and zinc in 12 months. Zinc had the highest price at the end of month and nickle had a significant fall on his price.

Nickel had the highest price in january which was 6% higher than privious month. It showed a sharp decrease in march which was 1%. The price again decreased to -3%. The price fluctuated between the month of june and november and it was stable till december to 1%. The zinc started with lowest price of 1% and slidely increased to 3%. The price gradually decreased till october to -1% and again increased to 2% respectively.

The copper price started from 2% and decreased day by day till june between 0 and -1%. The price gradually increased in july to 1% and became stable till september. At the end the price gradually increased to 1.5% percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the three metals and include several relevant movements, such as nickel’s January peak at 6%, its fall to -3% in June, and zinc’s recovery to 2% in December. However, the overview is inaccurate: “a decrease in all metal prices” does not describe the year as a whole, since all three finish above zero and copper and zinc rise toward the end. The claim that zinc had the highest price at year-end is also incorrect; zinc is highest in December, but this is a monthly percentage change, not the metal’s price level. Some details are missing or imprecise, including nickel’s November rise and copper’s small fluctuations. Give a clearer overview of the main pattern and compare the series accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and separate paragraphs describing the metals. This helps the reader follow the account, and sequencing words such as “Overall,” “The price again,” and “At the end” provide some links. However, progression within the nickel paragraph is not always clear: “It showed a sharp decrease in March” is inaccurate chronologically, as the sharp fall occurs in June, and the following sentences do not clearly distinguish the later movements. The account also describes each metal separately rather than making useful comparisons between them. Use clearer time markers and connect related trends—for example, the shared mid-year falls and the different year-end recoveries—to create a more coherent progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant trend vocabulary, including “sharp decrease,” “fluctuated,” “gradually increased,” and “stable,” which helps communicate changes in the graph. However, the range is limited and several choices are inaccurate or awkward: “average changes of three metal prices in a month” is unclear, while “slidely increased” and “decreased day by day” are not suitable descriptions of the plotted monthly data. There are also spelling errors, including “nickle” and “privious,” and repetition of “price” and “increased/decreased.” Aim for precise terms such as “monthly percentage change,” “fell,” “recovered,” and “remained broadly stable,” and check spelling and collocations before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You communicate the main points using mostly simple sentences and some longer structures, such as “The price gradually decreased till October to -1% and again increased to 2% respectively.” However, grammatical control is uneven. The opening overview contains a repeated article in “the the graph,” and “Nickel had the highest price in January which was 6% higher” has an unclear relative clause. The phrase “stable till December to 1%” also combines structures awkwardly, while “between the month of June and November” has a number-agreement problem. Use a wider mix of accurate sentence patterns, and check articles, clause links, and prepositions. For example, “Nickel’s monthly change fell to -3% in June, then recovered to 1% in November” is clearer and grammatically controlled.

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