Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-28

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 6.0)

The line graph illustratres average changes in price of copper, zinc and nickel in 2014

Overall nicekl experienced the most significant fluctuation while copper showed relatively stable changes throughout the year. All three metal recorded positive changes towards the end of the year.

In january nickel saw the highest income at approximately 6% compared with 2% for copper and 1%for zinc . the figure for nickel then fell sharply 1% in march and remained at around this level until may meanwhile copper declined gradually from 2% in january to around 0.5% in march , while zinc increased to 3% in feburary before falling steadily

In june , nickel experienced a dramatic fall to approximately 3% whereas copper and zinc decrease 0.5% and 1% respectively . From juhne to september , copper remained relatively stable at about 1% while nickel stayed at approximately -1% and zinc fluctuated slightly below zero .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main contrast: nickel fluctuated most, while copper was comparatively stable, and you describe several early- and mid-year movements with relevant figures. The account of nickel falling from 6% to about 1% by March and copper’s gradual decline is broadly accurate. However, the overview is incomplete: the late-year positive changes are mentioned, but the major recovery in November and December and the metals’ year-end positions are not reported. There is also a significant data error in saying nickel fell to approximately 3% in June; it reached about -3%. The response therefore covers the task, but some important stages are omitted or unclear. Include the final months and check the direction and size of key changes.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, moving from an introduction and overview to chronological details, and time markers such as “In January,” “In June” and “From June to September” help the reader follow the timeline. The comparison of the three metals in the middle of the year is also useful. However, the account stops in September, so the progression is incomplete, and the final paragraph does not connect the earlier trends to the overview’s claim about positive changes at year-end. Some linking is mechanical, particularly the repeated use of “while,” and punctuation and spacing make a few transitions less smooth. Organise the details into clear early- and late-year stages, and use varied, precise links to show contrast and change.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of task-related vocabulary, including “fluctuation,” “declined gradually,” “fell sharply” and “remained relatively stable.” These choices help describe trends and comparisons, and the meaning is generally clear. Some word choices are imprecise or unnatural: “highest income” does not describe a percentage price change, and “experienced a dramatic fall to approximately 3%” misrepresents the negative June figure as well as using an unclear direction. There are also spelling errors such as “illustratres,” “nicekl,” “feburary” and “juhne.” Aim for accurate collocations such as “recorded the largest increase” and “fell to -3%,” and proofread spelling so that errors do not distract from otherwise relevant vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, for example, “Overall, nickel experienced the most significant fluctuation while copper showed relatively stable changes,” and the chronological clauses communicate the broad pattern. Some grammatical errors remain, though they rarely prevent understanding. Examples include missing or inconsistent articles and plurals in “All three metal recorded,” and the incomplete comparison “copper and zinc decrease 0.5% and 1% respectively,” where the verb form and the relationship to the figures need correction. Several sentences also lack full stops or commas, creating run-on or awkwardly joined clauses. Use past-tense verbs consistently for the 2014 data, check subject–verb agreement and plural forms, and punctuate each comparison clearly.

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