Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-10

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 8.0)

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

Overall, the United Kingdom had the highest per-capita CO₂ emissions throughout the period, despite experiencing a gradual decline. By contrast, Portugal recorded the lowest figures, although its emissions increased considerably. Italy also saw a substantial rise, whereas Sweden’s emissions fluctuated before declining markedly towards the end of the period.

In 1967, CO₂ emissions in the United Kingdom stood at approximately 11 tonnes per person, the highest figure among the four countries. This was followed by Sweden, at just over 8 tonnes, while Italy and Portugal recorded considerably lower levels of around 4.5 and 1 tonne respectively. Over the following decade, Sweden’s emissions rose sharply, reaching a peak of about 10 tonnes per person in 1977.

After 1977, Sweden’s emissions followed a downward trend, falling to approximately 6 tonnes by 2007. The United Kingdom also experienced a gradual reduction, from 11 tonnes in 1967 to just over 8 tonnes at the end of the period. In contrast, Italy’s emissions increased steadily throughout the period, reaching around 8 tonnes per person in 2007. Portugal followed a similar upward pattern, although on a smaller scale, with emissions rising from approximately 1 tonne in 1967 to slightly above 5 tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all the key features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for the four countries. The overview is clear and effectively highlights the main differences, such as the UK's downward trend versus Portugal's growth. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, such as contrasting the UK's high starting point with Portugal's low initial figures. The data is accurately reported, and the structure allows for a logical progression of information. You have fully addressed all parts of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear logical flow. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'whereas', 'In 1967', and 'Over the following decade', which help guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is sequenced in a way that makes the comparisons easy to follow. There is no repetition, and the progression of ideas is smooth throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have demonstrated a wide and precise range of vocabulary suitable for an academic report. Phrases such as 'per-capita CO₂ emissions', 'fluctuated before declining markedly', 'downward trend', and 'on a smaller scale' show a high level of control. The word choices are accurate and contribute to a professional tone. There are no spelling errors, and the collocations are natural. You have successfully avoided repetitive language by using varied verbs and adverbs to describe the trends shown in the graph.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammatical control is very strong. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('although its emissions increased considerably') and participial phrases ('reaching a peak of about 10 tonnes'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the tense usage is consistent with the historical data provided in the prompt. The writing is clear, accurate, and sophisticated.

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