The graph below shows the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.
Sample Response
The line graph depicts monthly percentage shifts in the prices of copper, nickel and zinc throughout 2014, showing how each metal’s value altered compared with the preceding month. Overall, nickel recordedboasted the most dramatic early-year price surge in January, yet its month-on-month gains were subdued by December. Zinc underwent a sustained downward trendtendency in the middle of the year before staging a strong recovery from October onwards, while copper displayed constant volatility. Furthermore, June was the only month in whichJune marked a month where all three metals saw month-on-month price falls. Nickel prices rose by 6% in January, commencing a long decline that culminated in a 3% monthly price drop in June. After fluctuating, the metal hit another low point with a 2% monthly fall in October, and finally stabilised with a 1% monthly increase in November and December. Copper began with a 2% price rise in January and drifted downwards, turning negative in May and Junedrifted downwards until May. It then recovered and sustained a 1% month-on-month gain between July and September. As for zinc, its peak monthly growth of 3% occurred in February. Prices then weakened and fell by 1% in June. Monthly price drops occurred from June to OctoberNegative monthly changes persisted until October, after which zinc experienced positive monthly growthcontinuous growth, ending the year with a 2% monthly increase.
Why this response received Band 8.5
The essay presents a clear, accurate, and sophisticated report of the chart, supported by precise data points and a well-developed overview. To reach an even higher level of sophistication, the candidate could explicitly contrast key data points across the three metals within the body paragraphs rather than reporting each metal sequentially. Overall, the writing is remarkably fluent, precise, and grammatically flawless.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
All main features and trends are accurately highlighted, fully supported by exact figures from the graph, and accompanied by a comprehensive overview.
Integrate direct side-by-side comparative language within the body paragraphs to highlight relative differences between the metals more dynamically.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response is logically organized with clear paragraphing and smooth transitions that connect key observations effortfully.
Vary sentence openers further across the body paragraphs to make sequential reporting feel even more interconnected.
Lexical Resource
A wide range of sophisticated, task-appropriate vocabulary is used with natural control over collocation and word formation.
Incorporate a few more complex numerical expressions, such as describing proportional shifts or margins, to expand data-reporting precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide variety of complex sentence structures is used with full flexibility and complete accuracy throughout the response.
Maintain this high standard of grammatical precision and structural diversity across varied task prompts.
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The graph below shows the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.
Your response
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