Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
the line graph illustrates the average carbon emissions per head in the four different countries of europe from 1967 to 2007.
Overall, emissions decreased in the United Kingdom and Sweden over the period, whereas Italy and Portugal experienced substantial increase. United Kingdom remained in first place despite a linear decline, while others changed their positions over the time.
In the 1967, UK at first spot by 11 metric tons of emission but Sweden ,Italy and Portugal with 8,4, and around 2 metric ton emmisions ,respectively.
A lot of changes occurred over half a century in these four countries regarding per capita emissions.The UK showed a downward slope but Sweden showed 8 at start but after 10 years it made a sharp surge to 10 then decline by time and moved from second to third spot. Around 1990, italy cross the sweden in carbon output and increased grdually over time.
Portugal emerged as a country where carbon emissions increased over time, and around 2007, it was at the same level as Sweden, in third position.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points. You successfully identified the downward trend for the UK and Sweden and the upward trend for Italy and Portugal. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, stating 'around 2 metric ton' is vague, and the description of the trends is sometimes disjointed. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features are clearly highlighted and supported with accurate data from the graph, and avoid over-generalising or omitting specific years where significant changes occur.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. While you use some cohesive devices like 'whereas' and 'despite', the use of referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'while others changed their positions'. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the logical progression of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'per capita', 'metric tons', and 'downward slope'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and spelling, such as 'grdually' and 'italy cross the sweden'. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the sophistication or precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensure that you are using the correct terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated' or 'remained stable' where appropriate, rather than relying on simpler descriptive phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the UK', 'the Sweden') and verb tense consistency ('italy cross the sweden'). Some sentences are fragmented or lack necessary prepositions, such as 'UK at first spot by 11 metric tons'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that your complex sentences are punctuated correctly to avoid run-on structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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