Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-09

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 illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, the UK remained the highest emitter throughout most of the period, although its emissions declined steadily after 1977. Sweden experienced the most dramatic fluctuation, rising to a peak in 1977 before falling sharply. By contrast, Italy and Portugal recorded overall increases, with Italy becoming the second-highest emitter by the end of the period.

In 1967, the UK produced approximately 10.8 tonnes of CO₂ per person, considerably more than Sweden, at around 8.7 tonnes. Italy's figure was much lower, at about 4 tonnes, while Portugal had the lowest level, at roughly 1.5 tonnes. Over the following decade, Sweden's emissions climbed sharply to just over 10 tonnes, almost reaching the UK's level. Meanwhile, Italy rose substantially to approximately 6.2 tonnes, and Portugal increased more gradually to around 2 tonnes.

From 1977 onwards, the UK's emissions followed a gradual downward trend, falling from about 10.7 to 8.8 tonnes by 2007. Sweden, meanwhile, underwent a much steeper decline, dropping from its 1977 peak to roughly 7 tonnes in 1987, before reaching approximately 5.5 tonnes in 2007. Italy continued to increase, reaching around 7 tonnes in 1987 and approximately 7.7 tonnes by 1997, after which it remained relatively stable. Portugal also rose consistently, reaching about 3 tonnes in 1987 and then climbing sharply to approximately 5.5 tonnes by 2007.

By 2007, therefore, Italy had the highest emissions among the three countries other than the UK, while Sweden and Portugal had converged at roughly 5.5 tonnes per person.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You effectively highlighted the key features, such as the UK's downward trend, Sweden's dramatic peak and subsequent decline, and the steady growth in Italy and Portugal. The comparisons between countries are accurate and well-supported by the data provided. You have covered all parts of the task, and the information is presented in a logical and analytical manner, which fully satisfies the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data logically by time periods. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'From 1977 onwards'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial state from the subsequent changes. The flow of information is natural, and the referencing between countries and their respective emission levels is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'dramatic fluctuation', 'downward trend', and 'converged at' show a sophisticated command of language suitable for an academic report. The use of collocations is natural, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication. You successfully avoid repetition by using varied terminology to describe trends and changes in the data, which contributes to the overall fluency of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Sweden experienced the most dramatic fluctuation, rising to a peak in 1977 before falling sharply.' Punctuation is used correctly to manage clauses and lists. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips are non-systematic and do not affect the clarity of the report. The control over tense and aspect is consistent with the requirements of describing historical data.

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