Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-04

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 6.0)

This is a graph of four countries (United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal) showing the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled by each individual from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, the highest gas emission was between 1967 and 1977 in United Kingdom. In contrast, carbon dioxide was giving out less to the environment from 1967 to 1987 in Portugal.

From 1967 to 1997, Portugal had a rapid increase in the amount of gas exhaled, after which there was a gradual increase till 2007. Also, there was a great increase in the quantity of gas emitted by each person but this increase became gradual from 1977, while there was no increase from 1997 to 2007.

Furthermore, Sweden had a significant increase in the average carbon dioxide emitted by each individual from 1967 to 1977. However, there was a significant decrease in the tonnes of this gas from 1977 to 1987, then a gradual decrease till 2007. Finally, the United Kingdom showed a steady output of greater than 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from 1967 to 1977, then a gradual decrease down till 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and highlighted the key shifts over the period. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, you mention a 'great increase' without referencing the specific figures or the scale of change. Additionally, the description of the UK's trend is slightly inaccurate, as the graph shows a decline starting earlier than 1977. To improve, ensure you include specific data points (e.g., 'starting at 11 tonnes') to support your observations, which is essential for a higher band score in Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific countries. You use transition signals such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' to guide the reader. However, the cohesion is sometimes mechanical, and the progression of ideas within the third paragraph is slightly confusing due to the lack of clear subjects for the second sentence ('there was a great increase...'). Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that referencing is precise will help achieve a higher score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main features of the graph, using terms like 'gradual increase', 'significant decrease', and 'steady output'. However, there are some unnatural word choices, such as 'exhaled' to describe carbon dioxide emissions, which is scientifically inaccurate in this context; 'emitted' or 'produced' would be more appropriate. Additionally, 'giving out less to the environment' is informal and imprecise. Expanding your range of academic collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing will help you reach a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'carbon dioxide was giving out less' (passive voice error) and 'down till 2007' (redundant phrasing). There are also minor issues with article usage, such as 'in United Kingdom' instead of 'in the United Kingdom'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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