Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-16

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 5.5)

Average carbon dioxide emissions per person in United Kingdom is decreasing slowly compare to 1967 to 2007. Report shows that in 1967, around 11 metric ton carbon dioxide was taken per person. In 1987 it decreased decreased slowly and came down to 10 metric ton per person. At 2007, by reducing it came to 8.5 metric ton which was good for this country.

For Sweden this graph of emissions of CO2 is little bit different than UK. In 1967, it was around 8.5 and it increased to more than 10 in the year 1977. But from that time onwards it is reducing drastically as per person. In 1987, it came down to 7 and at 2007 it reduced to less than 6 which is more better compared to UK in the year 2007.

For Italy this graph of emissions of CO2 is completely different than UK and Sweden. For this country, in 1967, CO2 emission rate was little bit more than 4 but over the year it increased slowly and in the year 1997 it reached close to 8. But for the time span from 1997 to 2007 it was not increased or decreased. The graph was straight line and it was the same as 1997 and was close to 8.

For Portugal this graph of emissions of CO2 is totally same as Italy and it increased over the year from 1967 to 2007. In 1967 it was less than to 2 but it creased to around 5.5 metric ton in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all four countries and identifies key trends such as the decline in the UK and Sweden and the growth in Italy and Portugal. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, the description of the UK's emissions as 'good for this country' is subjective and inappropriate for an academic report. Furthermore, the data points are occasionally imprecise (e.g., 'around 11 metric ton'). While the main features are selected, the comparison between countries is limited, and the overview is missing. To improve, ensure you include a clear summary of the overall trends in the introduction or conclusion and maintain an objective, analytical tone throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, with each country receiving its own section, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and mechanical. Phrases like 'For this country' and 'For Sweden this graph' are used to start almost every paragraph, which lacks variety. Additionally, the progression of ideas within paragraphs is sometimes disjointed. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider range of linking words and transition phrases (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Conversely,' 'Following this trend') to connect sentences and ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There is significant repetition of basic verbs like 'increased,' 'decreased,' and 'reduced.' Furthermore, there are errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'more better' (which is grammatically incorrect and redundant) and 'taken per person' instead of 'emitted per person.' To improve, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stable,' 'peaked,' or 'experienced a downward trend,' and ensure you use appropriate terminology for data reporting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are some attempts at complex sentences, they are often marred by grammatical errors, such as 'Average carbon dioxide emissions... is decreasing' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'it creased to around 5.5' (likely a typo for 'increased'). There are also frequent issues with articles and prepositions, such as 'at 2007' instead of 'in 2007.' The control of grammar is inconsistent, and the errors occasionally make the text feel repetitive or slightly awkward. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of tense for historical data will help improve your accuracy.

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