The graph below shows the average monthly change in the prices of three metals during 2014.
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Sample Response
The line graph illustrates average monthly percentage changes in the prices of copper, nickel, and zinccopper, nickel and zinc during 2014, relative to the previous month.
Overall, nickel registered the most substantial monthly change early in the year, but its figures weakened considerably as the year progressed. Zinc underwent a prolonged downturn in the middle of the year before mounting a strong recovery from October onwards, while copper fluctuated throughout. Notably, there was one month when all three metals recorded declines simultaneously.
Nickel's monthly change reached 6% in January, the highest across all three metals. It then fell steadily, falling to -3% in Junerecording a decline of 3% in June. A brief recovery in July was followed by a further dip to -2% in Octoberfurther drop of 2% in October, after which the figure levelled off at a 1% rise in both November and December. Copper began the year with a 2% increase, slipped into negative territory reaching roughly -0.5% in May and Juneat a 1% fall in April and May, recovered to hold at a 1% gain from July to September, before dipping slightly in October and rising in Novemberthen fell by 1% in November before finishing the year at approximately 1.5%ending the year with no change.
Zinc peaked at a 3% rise in February. Its monthly change then weakened progressively, turning negative in Juneturning negative from April and hitting a 1% decline in June. This downward trend continued until October, when a sharp turnaround began, and zinc closed the year with consistent monthly gains, finishing at a 2% rise in December.
Why this response received Band 9.0
The essay provides an exceptionally clear and accurate description of the visual data, featuring an effective overview and well-structured comparative details. Language control is accurate and natural throughout, with a sophisticated range of vocabulary and sentence structures. To maintain this high standard, ensure data points with slight visual approximations are described with appropriate qualifying language.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The response presents a comprehensive overview and accurately selects and reports all key trends and specific data points from the chart.
Continue using precise qualifying words when referencing values that lie between marked gridlines.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information and ideas are logically arranged with smooth paragraphing and effortless transitions between categories.
Maintain the current logical sequencing and seamless integration of comparative cohesive markers.
Lexical Resource
A wide range of task-appropriate vocabulary is used with full flexibility and precise word choice throughout.
Sustain the natural usage of trend-describing verbs and nouns without over-complicating straightforward comparisons.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide variety of complex grammatical structures is produced naturally and without errors.
Keep utilizing diverse sentence patterns, such as participial phrases and compound-complex structures, to maintain full flexibility.