Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-15

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 line graph illustrates per capita carbon dioxide emissions in United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, average per person emission of carbon dioxide in United States and Sweden reduced by the end of the 40 year period, by contrast, emissions in Italy and Portugal raised steadily throughout the period.

In 1967, US emitted the highest CO2 gas with approximately 11 metric tonnes, which hovered around this number for the next 10 years. After 1977, per capita carbon dioxide release gradually fell for the rest of the period reaching to around 9 metric tonnes in 2007, still remaining the largest in carbon dioxide emission. On the other hand, Sweden started with less than 9 metric tonnes in 1967, reaching its peak at just above 10 metric tonnes in 1977, before dropping dramatically to around 9 metric tonnes in 1987 and to less than 6 metric tonnes by the end.

Italy and Portugal recorded different emission patterns. In 1967, Italy started off with slightly more than 4 metric tonnes and Portugal with around 1 metric tonnes, as a country with least emissions, both the countries escalated gradually throughout the period, reaching just above 6 and 3 metric tonnes in 1987 and Portugal ended the period alongside Sweden at just below 6 metric tonnes, while, Italy surpassed Sweden in 1987 and ended at less than 8 metric tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and highlighted the key differences in their emission patterns over the 40-year period. However, there is a significant factual error in your overview: you mention the 'United States' instead of the 'United Kingdom'. This is a major inaccuracy regarding the data provided. Additionally, while you describe the trends well, ensure that your comparisons are more precise; for example, stating that Portugal ended 'alongside' Sweden is slightly vague given the specific data points. Despite these issues, the key features are well-selected and the response is well-structured.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs that group the countries by their emission trends. You use cohesive devices such as 'by contrast', 'on the other hand', and 'while' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is generally smooth, though some transitions between sentences within the body paragraphs could be more sophisticated. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends, which helps the reader follow your analysis. Overall, the structure is clear and supports the development of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, using terms like 'hovered', 'escalated', 'surpassed', and 'dramatically'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'United States' (instead of United Kingdom) and 'as a country with least emissions', which is slightly awkward phrasing. You also use 'raised' instead of 'rose' (an intransitive verb is needed here). While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the occasional inaccuracy in word choice prevents a higher score. However, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'In 1967, US emitted the highest CO2 gas with approximately 11 metric tonnes, which hovered around this number for the next 10 years.' There are some grammatical errors, such as 'Portugal with around 1 metric tonnes' (should be 'tonne') and 'both the countries escalated' (should be 'emissions in both countries escalated'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation issues, such as the comma splice in the final paragraph. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammatical control is generally good enough to support the communication of the data.

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