Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-04

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 demonstrates the prices of three metals such as cooper, nickel and zinc according to average monthly change during 2014.

In overview, nickel showed a sharp decline in the start of the period and hit it least point in june and then recovered it with some fluctuation and rose up. On the other hand, cooper and zinc started their move together with slight difference over the whole period.

First of all, nickel started with 6% change in prices in the start of the year and went down dramatically and hit the lowest number(-3) and then recovered the price with small fluctuaton and increased up to 1.

Second of all, cooper(2) and zinc(1) moved with minnor differece and displayed a declind in 6th month and then went up from -1. After that zinc retest its previous value in october and then rose up but cooper did not retest its price after single drop. Cooper and zinc decleared its values like zinc at 2 and cooper at 1.5 in the last of that period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main contrast: nickel began much higher than the other metals, fell to its lowest point in June, and later recovered, while copper and zinc changed less dramatically. Several figures are also reported accurately, including nickel’s 6% start and −3% low, and the metals’ final values. However, the overview is not fully clear: saying copper and zinc “started their move together” does not capture that zinc rose to 3% in February while copper declined. The account also overlooks the broad mid-year negative period and the late-year recovery shared by all three. Some comparisons, such as zinc “retest[ing] its previous value,” are unclear or not well supported. Select the key phases more precisely and explain the metals’ differences across them.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, moving from an introduction to an overview and then to details about nickel and the other two metals. Sequencing expressions such as “First of all,” “Second of all,” and “After that” help the reader follow the account. However, these transitions feel mechanical, and the overview and detail paragraphs repeat some information rather than developing a clear comparison. The reference in “then recovered it” is also unclear: it is not immediately evident whether “it” means the price or the decline. Grouping the information by trend—nickel’s larger fluctuations, followed by the similar but smaller movements of copper and zinc—would create a more coherent progression. Use linking phrases to show contrast and timing rather than relying on formulaic numbering.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant chart vocabulary, including “sharp decline,” “recovered,” “fluctuation,” and “lowest,” which helps describe movement. There is also an attempt to vary wording with phrases such as “moved with minor difference.” However, spelling and word-choice errors are noticeable, including “cooper,” “fluctuaton,” “declind,” and “decleared,” and these reduce the accuracy and polish of the report. Some combinations are also unnatural: “increased up,” “hit the lowest number,” and “in the last of that period.” Prefer precise, conventional expressions such as “rose,” “reached a low of,” and “by the end of the year.” Check spelling carefully and use “price change” consistently rather than implying the graph shows absolute prices.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mixture of simple and longer sentences, including clauses linked with “and,” “then,” and “after that.” The main trends are generally understandable, but some grammatical errors make relationships less clear. For example, “nickel … hit it least point” has an unclear pronoun and incorrect possessive form, while “recovered it with some fluctuation” does not form a clear grammatical relationship. In “zinc retest its previous value,” the verb form does not agree with the singular subject, and “cooper and zinc decleared its values” has an agreement problem with the plural subject. Work on accurate past-tense reporting, subject–verb agreement, and clear pronoun reference. Shorter, controlled sentences would help you express comparisons more reliably.

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.