Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-30

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 4.0)

The graph illustrates show the average monthly change in the price of the three different Copper, Nickel, Zinc show the year of 2014.

First of all, show the average monthly change in prices of copper, nickel, zinc. shoe the firstr month copper 2%, nickel 5%, zinc 1%. show the month of F copper 1%, nickel1%, amd the zinc 2%, and the march show the percentage of copper 0.5%, nickel 1% zinc 3%. show the month of april show the percentage of copper 0.5%, nickel same 1%, zinc 1.5%. and the month of may show the percentage of copper

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the chart’s subject and reports some early-month figures, including copper at 2% in January and 1% in February, and zinc at 1% in January. However, it stops partway through May and gives no overview of the main trends or comparisons across the year. Some figures are also misreported: nickel is about 6% in January, not 5%, and zinc is about 2% in February and 3% in March, rather than the reverse. The response contains 90 words, so it is 60 words below the required minimum; the eight words copied from the prompt are excluded. To address the task more fully, summarise the overall pattern and include key changes from later months.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 3.5

There is a basic chronological sequence, moving from January through the start of May, so the reader can follow the order of the information. However, the response is presented as one paragraph and relies repeatedly on “show” and “and” to connect points. This makes the progression mechanical, and the final sentence breaks off before completing the May information. The opening also repeats the chart’s subject rather than establishing a clear overview. Use separate paragraphs for an overview and selected details, and connect comparisons directly—for example, contrast the metals’ January figures or group their shared mid-year declines. Completing each sentence and varying linking expressions would make the account easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses a small set of relevant terms, such as “average monthly change,” “price,” “percentage,” and the names of the metals, which makes the topic recognisable. However, vocabulary is repetitive and often imprecise: “show” appears repeatedly, and “the three different Copper, Nickel, Zinc” is an awkward way to identify the series. Spelling errors such as “firstr” and “amd” also reduce accuracy. A wider range of chart language would help describe movement and comparison, such as “rose,” “fell,” “remained stable,” and “respectively.” Aim for concise, natural phrases rather than repeating the same reporting verb in each sentence.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0

The response attempts simple reporting clauses, but grammatical control is weak and sentence patterns are highly repetitive. The opening, “The graph illustrates show,” combines two verb forms incorrectly, while “show the month of F” lacks a clear subject and complete clause. Several later statements repeat this fragment pattern, and the final sentence ends after “the percentage of copper,” leaving the idea unfinished. There is little variety in sentence structure, and punctuation does not consistently separate the reported figures. Practise complete sentences with a clear subject and verb—for example, “In February, copper rose by 1%, while nickel changed by 4%”—and check each sentence for a finished thought.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.