Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-17

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 the average carbon dioxide emission per person in four different countries from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, the United Kingdom had the highest figures till the end among all four nations, while the Portugal had the lowest value and shows a significant growth over the period.

The united kingdom had the largest figures at around 11 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emission in 1967, but it experienced significant decline, reaching to just above 8 metric tonnes in 2007, still remained at the highest value among all four nations. In contrast, the Portugal had the lowest value approximately 1.5 metric tonnes, it shows considerable increase, increasing to 5.5 metric tonnes in the end.

The Sweden showed fluctuation, it increases from 9 metric tonnes to just above 10 metric tonnes till 1977 before decreasing to just below 6 metric tonnes in 2007. While, the Italy experienced significant growth over the period, increasing from 4.2 metric tonnes to just below 8 metric tonnes in the end.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and the relative positions of the four countries. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with data from the graph, such as the starting and ending figures for the UK and Portugal. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide more precise comparisons between the countries throughout the period, rather than just describing each country in isolation. For example, noting that Italy's emissions surpassed those of Sweden by the end of the period would strengthen your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In contrast' and 'While', to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as 'the Portugal' and 'the Sweden', which are grammatically incorrect and disrupt the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring accurate use of articles would enhance the cohesion of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'significant decline', 'considerable increase', and 'fluctuation'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'highest figures till the end' and 'lowest value'. Additionally, the repeated use of 'figures' and 'value' limits the sophistication of your writing. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' and ensure you use articles correctly with country names.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. However, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with article usage ('the Portugal', 'the Sweden', 'the Italy') and punctuation, such as comma splices in the third and fourth paragraphs. For instance, 'In contrast, the Portugal had the lowest value approximately 1.5 metric tonnes, it shows considerable increase...' should be split into two sentences or joined with a conjunction. Focusing on sentence boundary accuracy will help improve your score.

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

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