Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-02

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 illustrates the amount of average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from the year 1967 to 2007.

Overall, it is clear that the number of people increased in both Italy and Portugal over the period while the figure for UK and Sweden declined. However, UK became the biggest source of emission by the end of the period.

In the UK the figure for carbon dioxide emissions stood at approximately 11 metric tons in 1967 which decreased slightly the next year. After that the figure continued to decrease gradually, reaching around 9 metric tones in 2007. Similarly, Sweden was responsible for approximately 9 metric tones of carbon emissions in 1967. The figure increased slightly to around 11 metric tones in 1977 before felling dramatically to around 7 metric tones by 1977. Thereafter, it continued its downward trend, reaching around 5 metric tones by the end of the period.

By contrast, carbon emissions from Italy stood at roughly 4.5 metric tones in 1967 which continued to rise and reached almost 8 metric tones by 1997 and remained stable until the end of the period.

However, the figure for Portugal began at approximately 1 metric tones. Then it increased gradually to around 5 metric tones in 1997 and remained stable towards the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided relevant data points to support your summary. You correctly highlighted the contrasting trends between the UK/Sweden and Italy/Portugal. However, there is a significant factual error in your overview: you stated that the 'number of people increased', whereas the graph tracks 'CO2 emissions per person'. Additionally, your claim that the UK became the 'biggest source of emission' is inaccurate, as the graph shows the UK's emissions declining to a level lower than Sweden's in the final years. To improve, ensure you interpret the axes labels precisely and double-check your data comparisons against the visual evidence provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'By contrast', and 'Thereafter' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the declining trends from the increasing ones. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is slightly abrupt, and the referencing of the data could be smoother. The overall progression of ideas is clear, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the information presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'declined', 'gradually', 'dramatically', and 'downward trend'. However, there are consistent spelling errors regarding the unit of measurement, specifically writing 'tones' instead of 'tons'. While these errors do not impede communication, they are repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic collocations and ensure accuracy in technical terms. The use of 'figure' is repeated frequently; varying your terminology would enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'UK became the biggest source' (missing the definite article 'the') and 'felling' (incorrect verb form for 'falling'). Additionally, the sentence 'the number of people increased' is a grammatical error in context because it misrepresents the subject of the graph. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding your main points. Increasing your control over articles and verb tenses will help improve your accuracy.

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