Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-31

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 below illustrates the percentage in price compared with previous months of three products- copper, nickel, and zinc during 2014.

Overall, the percentage of the price of the metals flactuated during the whole month. Nickel was at top in january by increasing to 6% comparing to the previous month. Copper and zince increased only by 2% and 1%. Then, only zinc increased to 3% the next month but copper and nickel dramatically decreased. From february to june, all the three metals changes in price decreased under 0%. Therefore, in july, the percentage of nickel, copper and zinc increased to -1%, 1%, and -0.5%. From july to september, the overall percentage stayed same and then, the amount again dropped sharply. Lastly, in december, the amount increased to 1% to 2%

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the three metals and include several relevant comparisons, such as nickel reaching 6% in January and zinc rising to 3% in February. However, the overview is unclear and some key trends are misreported: all three metals did not fall below zero by June, since copper and zinc were still positive in May, and the sharpest fall in nickel occurred in June. The final sentence is also incomplete as a comparison: in December copper was about 1.5%, nickel 1%, and zinc 2%, rather than a general rise “to 1% to 2%.” The response is 130 words, below the required 150, and this limits the detail available. Report the main overall pattern accurately, then support it with selected monthly figures.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable sequence through the year, using time markers such as “Overall,” “Then,” “From February to June,” and “Lastly.” This helps the reader follow the broad chronology. However, the organisation is not fully clear: the overview includes detailed monthly figures, while the later account moves between periods without consistently distinguishing the metals. For example, “the overall percentage stayed same” does not specify which series remained stable, and “the amount again dropped sharply” has no clear reference. The paragraph is also a single block, making the overview and supporting details harder to separate. Use a distinct overview followed by logically grouped comparisons, and make references explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “increased,” “decreased,” “dramatically,” and “sharply,” and the reader can generally understand the intended trends. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, such as “percentage in price,” “the percentage of the price,” and “the amount” for monthly price changes. There are also spelling errors in “flactuated” and “zince,” and “stayed same” is not a natural expression. These issues make parts of the report imprecise. Use standard chart language such as “monthly price change,” “rose,” “fell,” and “remained stable,” and check spelling and collocations before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt some longer sentence forms, including “Then, only zinc increased to 3% the next month but copper and nickel dramatically decreased,” and the basic meaning is usually recoverable. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, particularly with agreement, articles, and sentence construction. For example, “all the three metals changes” should use a plural verb, while “stayed same” needs an article or a different construction. The opening phrase “the percentage in price compared with previous months” is also structurally awkward, and the final sentence lacks a clear grammatical comparison. Most sentences rely on simple patterns, with limited accurate variety. Practise concise comparative structures and check verb agreement and articles.

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