Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the average carbon emissions per head in the four European countries from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, emissions decreased in the United Kingdom and Sweden over the period, whereas Italy and Portugal experienced a substantial increase. The United Kingdom remained in first place despite a linear decline, while others changed their positions over time.

In 1967, the UK recorded the highest level of per capita emissions, at 11 metric tonnes, followed by Sweden, Italy, and Portugal, at 8, 4, and approximately 2 metric tonnes, respectively.

Significant changes occurred in per capita emissions across the four countries over the 40-year period. The UK showed a downward slope, but Sweden showed 8 at the start, but after 10 years, it made a sharp surge to 10, then declined by time and moved from second to third spot. Around 1990, Italy crossed Sweden in carbon output and increased gradually 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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview. You have selected key data points, such as the starting values in 1967 and the crossing point for Italy and Sweden. However, the description of Sweden's trend is slightly confusing; stating it 'made a sharp surge to 10' and then 'declined by time' is accurate, but the phrasing 'showed 8 at the start, but after 10 years' is a bit clunky. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are precise and avoid slightly informal phrasing like 'crossed Sweden'. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1967', and 'respectively' to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis. The progression of ideas is clear, though some transitions between sentences in the second body paragraph could be smoother. For instance, the shift from the UK to Sweden and then to Italy feels slightly disjointed. Using more varied linking phrases would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with reasonable precision. Phrases like 'linear decline', 'per capita emissions', and 'sharp surge' are appropriate for an academic report. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in collocation and word choice, such as 'declined by time' (should be 'declined over time') and 'crossed Sweden' (should be 'surpassed Sweden' or 'overtook Sweden'). While these do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the higher bands where more sophisticated and natural lexical control is expected.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'whereas' to contrast trends and 'followed by' to list data. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are a few minor errors, such as 'declined by time' and the slightly awkward structure in 'Sweden showed 8 at the start, but after 10 years, it made a sharp surge'. These errors are infrequent and do not cause difficulty for the reader. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or participle clauses, to demonstrate greater control.

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