Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-13

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 7.0)

The graph underneath shows average ordinary carbon dioxide (CO2) emission per individual in the united kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, the united kingdom and Sweden experienced downward trends in per capita emissions over the period, despite starting with the highest figures. Conversely , Italy and Portugal saw steady increase in their carbon footprints, with Portugal experiencing the most dramatic relative growth.

In 1967 , the UK was by far the largest emitter , producing approximately 11 metric tonnes of CO2 per person. This figure decreased gradually over the next four decades, reaching about 9 metric tonnes in2007. Sweden initially had the second-highest emissions at around 9 metric tonnes in 1967. It experienced a sharp rise to a peak of just over 10 metric tonnes in 1977, after which its emissions fell significantly, dropping to approximately 5.5 metric tonnes by the end of the period.

In the contrast , Italy and Portugal started with much lower levels of emissions but experienced upward trajectories. Italy's emissions rose steadily from just over 4 metric tonnes in 1967 to nearly 8 metric tonnes in 2007. Portugal which began as the lowest emitter at just over 1 metric tonne, grew rapidly over the 40 years. By 2007, Portugal's effectively matching Sweden's figure at the end of the end line.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons between the four countries. You successfully highlighted the downward trend in the UK and Sweden versus the upward trajectory in Italy and Portugal. Key features, such as the UK's initial high point and Portugal's rapid growth, are clearly presented. The overview is concise and provides a good summary of the data. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with complete precision; for instance, the final sentence regarding Portugal's figure is slightly vague and could be more explicitly linked to the specific data point on the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries by their emission trends. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'In contrast', and 'By 2007' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two distinct groups of countries. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve, ensure that referencing is always precise; for example, 'the end of the end line' is a slightly awkward phrasing that disrupts the flow of the final sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision, using terms like 'downward trends', 'upward trajectories', and 'dramatic relative growth'. There are some minor issues with word choice and capitalization, such as 'the united kingdom' (should be capitalized) and 'the graph underneath' (a bit informal; 'the graph below' is standard). While the vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for an academic report, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items would help elevate the score further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are clear and error-free, though there are occasional slips, such as 'In the contrast' (should be 'In contrast') and 'Portugal's effectively matching' (should be 'Portugal was effectively matching'). Punctuation is generally good, although there is an unnecessary space before the comma in 'Conversely ,'. These errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication. To achieve a higher band, ensure consistent control over articles and verb forms in complex sentences.

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