Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The given line graph demonstrates the average quantity of CO2 emissions per person, measured in metric tonnes, in four separate countries namely the UK, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between the year 1967 and 2007.

Overall, while Italy and Portugal witnessed an upward trend in the CO2 emissions, the UK experienced a downward tendency and Sweden saw a fluctuation throughout the period in question.

Specifically, starting at 5 metric tonnes in 1967, the number of CO2 emissions in Italy then rose gradually to nearly 8 metric tonnes from 1977 to 1997 and levelled off at the end of the period. Portugal shared quite a similar pattern with Italy, with the figure standing at under 2 in 1967 and then climbing to around 5 metric tonnes in 2007.

In stark contrast, the figure in the UK decreased from approximately 11 at the first year of the period to around 9 in 2007. In Sweden, on the other hand, the recorded average quantity of CO2 emissions fluctuated considerably, beginning at over 9 metric tonnes in 1967, increasing to nearly 11 in the subsequent year, then plunging to over halve at the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the contrasting trends between the UK and the other nations. The data points are generally accurate, although the description of Sweden's trend could be more precise; you mention it 'plunged to over halve', but the graph shows a more gradual decline from its peak. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data descriptions are strictly supported by the visual evidence and avoid slight inaccuracies in reporting the magnitude of changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs that group the countries by their trends. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'In stark contrast' and 'on the other hand' effectively to signal shifts in the narrative. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different groups of countries. The flow is smooth, and the information is presented in a way that makes the comparison clear to the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'upward trend', 'downward tendency', and 'levelled off' are appropriate for describing graph data. However, there are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'the number of CO2 emissions' (emissions are usually measured in quantity or level, not 'number') and 'plunging to over halve' (which is grammatically awkward). Using more precise collocations for data trends would elevate your score further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are clear and error-free, which allows for easy communication. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'at the first year of the period' (should be 'in the first year') and 'plunging to over halve' (should be 'plunging to less than half'). These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the response from reaching the highest band. Focusing on preposition usage and verb forms will help improve your accuracy.

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

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