Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-29

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 given line graph illustrates the basic change every mmonth in price of three metals in the year 2014. In the start of the year, the ratoi of change in price of nickle was at peak point of the chart, but it felll to the lowest point in mid of the year and at last it follows coppper and zinc with very slight change.

In January, the proportion of increase in price of nickel was about 6% which dropped down for next two months and then constant for a small period, then again fell to the lowest peak in july at -3%. The price of copper and zinc start from the ratio of 2% and 1%, respectively. and after small changes they both reaches below 0% in June. By the end of the year, all three metals are increased in price and between 1 and 2%. Zinc near to 2%, followed by copper and nickel at lowest which was at top in starting.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main contrast: nickel begins at the highest point, falls sharply to a mid-year low, and ends much lower, while copper and zinc change less. You also include several relevant figures, such as nickel at about 6% in January and −3% in June, and the metals’ positive values at year-end. However, coverage is partial and some details are inaccurate or unclear. Copper and zinc do not both fall below zero in June: copper is around −0.5% in May and June, while zinc reaches about −1% in June. The overview also misses the shared recovery in November and December and does not clearly summarise the metals’ differing overall patterns. Select the key turning points accurately and state them in a concise overview.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic overall sequence, moving from a brief opening and overview to monthly details and then the year-end comparison. This gives the reader a general sense of the graph’s timeline. However, the progression is not consistently clear: the first paragraph combines several trends in a long sentence, and the second shifts between nickel, copper and zinc without a clear organising principle. Linking phrases such as “then” and “by the end of the year” help, but are repetitive and sometimes leave the relationship between details unclear. For example, “after small changes they both reaches below 0% in June” is difficult to follow. Use separate paragraphs for the overview and key details, and group comparisons by trend or period.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “line graph,” “dropped,” “lowest point” and “increase in price,” so the topic is generally understandable. However, the range is limited, and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “ratio of change,” “peak point,” “lowest peak” and “follows copper and zinc.” These expressions can make the intended trend difficult to interpret. There are also noticeable spelling errors, including “mmonth,” “ratoi,” “nickle,” “felll” and “coppper.” Aim for precise graph language such as “percentage change,” “reached a peak,” “fell to a low,” and “ended at a similar level.” Proofreading spelling would also improve clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the main message can usually be understood. However, control is inconsistent, particularly in longer constructions. For example, “after small changes they both reaches below 0%” has an agreement error, while “The price of copper and zinc start” also needs a plural verb. The sentence beginning “In January” runs through several stages with repeated “then,” making the sequence difficult to manage. Sentence boundaries and punctuation are also unreliable, as shown by the lower-case “and” after a full stop and the comma splice in “Zinc near to 2%, followed by copper and nickel at lowest.” Use shorter, complete sentences and check subject–verb agreement, tense consistency and punctuation.

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