Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-01

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 8.5)

The line graph compares the average amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, the United Kingdom produced the highest level of CO₂ emissions throughout the period, although its figure gradually declined. In contrast, Italy and Portugal experienced steady increases in emissions. Sweden showed a different pattern, with emissions rising at first before falling sharply.

In 1967, the UK emitted about 11 metric tonnes of CO₂ per person, far more than the other three countries. Sweden ranked second at around 9 tonnes, while Italy and Portugal recorded approximately 4 and 1 tonne respectively. Over the following decades, the UK's emissions decreased steadily to just under 9 tonnes by 2007.

Sweden's emissions climbed to a peak of just over 10 tonnes in 1977. However, they then dropped significantly, reaching around 5.5 tonnes by the end of the period. Meanwhile, Italy's emissions increased consistently from about 4 tonnes to nearly 8 tonnes, overtaking Sweden in the late 1980s. Portugal also showed continuous growth, rising from approximately 1 tonne in 1967 to around 5.5 tonnes in 2007. By the end of the period, Sweden and Portugal had almost identical emission levels.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, such as the UK's decline and the steady growth in Italy and Portugal. You have also successfully selected and reported key data points to support your summary, such as the starting figures in 1967 and the peak for Sweden in 1977. The comparisons are accurate and relevant, effectively highlighting the changing positions of the countries over the 40-year period. There are no omissions, and the information is presented in a logical and professional manner.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'Over the following decades', which help the reader follow the narrative of the data. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the general overview and the specific data points is seamless. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'gradually declined', 'steady increases', 'recorded approximately', and 'continuous growth' demonstrate a strong command of descriptive language. The use of 'metric tonnes' and 'emission levels' shows an awareness of the subject matter. While the vocabulary is accurate and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to data trends could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your points clearly and naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used effectively. You have successfully employed subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'Sweden showed a different pattern, with emissions rising at first before falling sharply.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage—shifting between past and present as required by the task—is consistent and correct.

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