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 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 over time and moved from second to third spot. Around 1990, Italy surpassed 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

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and highlighted the key shifts, such as the UK's decline and the growth in Italy and Portugal. However, the description of Sweden's trend is slightly confusing; stating 'Sweden showed 8 at the start, but after 10 years, it made a sharp surge to 10' is a bit informal and lacks precision. Additionally, while you mention the final positions, a more detailed comparison of the specific values at the end of the period would have strengthened the response. Overall, you have addressed the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the information effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'In 1967,' and 'Around 1990' to guide the reader through the timeline. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. However, the transition between the general overview and the specific data points could be smoother. Some sentences, particularly in the second body paragraph, feel slightly disjointed due to the way the data is presented, but the overall progression of ideas remains clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'substantial increase,' 'linear decline,' and 'surpassed' are used effectively. There are some minor issues with collocation and precision, such as 'per head' (which is acceptable but 'per capita' is more academic) and 'downward slope' (which is a bit informal for describing a line graph trend). You avoid repetition and maintain a formal tone throughout. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'plateaued,' or 'marginal growth.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear and error-free, allowing for easy communication. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'Sweden showed 8 at the start,' where the phrasing is slightly awkward and missing a unit of measurement. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the use of commas to separate clauses is handled well. While you demonstrate good control, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, which prevents a higher score in this criterion.

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