Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows average carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The line graph depicts average emissions of carbon dioxide by every individual residing at the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007. The data had been calibrated in metric tonnes.

Overall, it is evident that carbon dioxide emissions gradually climbed in Italy and Portugal, whereas the trend for the United Kingdom and Sweden was completely opposite. It can be observed that Sweden and Portugal recorded same figures of carbon dioxide emissions by 2007.

In 1967, Portugal witnessed lowest CO2 emissions nearly about 1 metric ton, and then rapidly climbed to 5 metric ton by 2007. However, Italy recorded approximately 4 metric ton at the beginning while the emissions rose to nearly 7.8 metric ton by 2007.

Turning to the remaining categories, the figures for Sweden fluctuated throughout the period, starting with just over 8.2 metric ton, peaking in the year 1977 at nearly 10 metric ton, then declining to just over 7 metric ton in 1987 and finally dropping in 2007 at nearly 5.6 metric ton.

Meanwhile the United Kingdom represented highest amount of CO2 emissions and swiftly declined 9 metric ton, however produced the largest amount of CO2 by the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all key features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for the four countries. You successfully identified the contrasting trends between the rising emissions in Italy and Portugal and the declining figures for the UK and Sweden. The comparison between Sweden and Portugal by 2007 is a good analytical touch. However, the final sentence regarding the United Kingdom contains a factual contradiction: you state it 'swiftly declined' but then claim it 'produced the largest amount of CO2 by the end of the period,' which is not supported by the data. More careful checking of the graph against your written statements would improve the accuracy of your reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'In 1967,' 'However,' and 'Turning to' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. While the progression is generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing in the final paragraph is a bit confusing due to the contradictory information mentioned earlier. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'calibrated,' 'fluctuated,' 'declining,' and 'witnessed.' There are some minor errors in collocation and word choice, such as 'residing at the United Kingdom' (should be 'in') and 'represented highest amount' (should be 'represented the highest amount'). Additionally, there are some missing articles and pluralization issues, such as 'nearly 5 metric ton' (should be 'tonnes'). While these errors are present, they do not impede communication, and you successfully use a variety of verbs to describe trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, particularly with articles ('the United Kingdom') and prepositions ('at the United Kingdom'). Some sentences lack necessary articles, such as 'recorded same figures' and 'witnessed lowest CO2 emissions.' While these errors are frequent, they do not cause difficulty for the reader. To reach a higher band, focus on consistent article usage and ensuring subject-verb agreement. The attempt at complex structures is evident, but the accuracy needs to be more consistent to achieve a higher score.

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