Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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)

The graph illustrates average carbon dioxide release per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007. Overall, initially United Kingdom and Sweden had highest emissions of carbon dioxide per person that dropped by the end of the period. In contrast, Italy and Portugal had relatively less amount of pollution in the the first place. Hoinwever they saw growth of carbon dioxide release by the end of the period.

In 1967, United kingdom accounted for about 11 tones of emissions in 1967 and remained stable up to 1977. however, it saw a drastic fall from 1977 to 2007, reaching 9 tonnes. Meanwhile, Sweden emissions increased sharply from appoximately 9 tonnes in 1967 to around 11 tonnes in 1977 and dropped dramatically to about 5 tonnes by the end of the period.

In contrast, in 1967 Italy and Sweden's emissions were relatively low in 1967 accounted for about 4 and 1 respectively. However they saw a sharp growth to approximately 8 and 5 tonnes respectively in 1997. Meanwhile they remained stable up to the end of the period.

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 highlighted the contrasting patterns between the countries, which is essential for a high score. However, there are some factual inaccuracies in your reporting. For instance, you mention 'Italy and Sweden's emissions' in the third paragraph, but the graph refers to Italy and Portugal. Additionally, you state that Italy and Portugal started at 4 and 1 respectively, but the graph shows them starting at approximately 4 and 1.5. Ensuring data accuracy is crucial for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'However' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as the confusion between Sweden and Portugal in the final paragraph. The overall progression of ideas is clear, but the cohesion could be improved by using a wider variety of linking phrases to connect sentences more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'drastic fall', 'remained stable', and 'increased sharply'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'Hoinwever' and 'appoximately', and a minor error in unit terminology ('tones' instead of 'tonnes'). While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the occasional errors in word choice and spelling prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on precision in reporting figures and ensure consistent spelling throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'initially United Kingdom and Sweden had highest emissions' (missing articles) and 'relatively less amount of pollution' (should be 'lower amount'). Additionally, there are punctuation and capitalization errors, such as 'the the' and 'United kingdom'. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles with country names.

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

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