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 graph showcase the ordinary carbon dioxide emitted per person in four countries namely United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal. Carbon dioxide is measured in metric tonnes and the data is provided for the year 1967 to 2007.

Overall, it can be observed that the carbon dioxide emissions by the people in Sweden and Portugal ultimately reached a point of similarity in the year 2007, however one rose and another plunged since 1967.

To commence with the country which emitted the maximum carbon dioxide in the alpha and gradually declined in the omega, that is United Kingdom which outflowed at least 11 metric tonnes in 1967 which decreased to 10.5 metric tonnes approximately in 1977; 10 metric tonnes in 1987 and 8.5 metric tonnes in 2007. Similarly, Sweden began with not less than 8.5 metric tonnes per human and suddenly peaked to 10.2 metric tonnes of CO2 released in 1977 which rapidly downfallen to 5.5 metric tonnes in 2007. In contrast, a single individual in the Portugal territory used to leak around 1 metric tonne which steadily raised to 2 metric tonnes in 1977 and 5.5 in 2007. Furthermore, Italian citizens discharged 4.2 metric tonnes of these gases which shown an uneven increase of 6.2 metric tonnes in 1977 and reached the level of 7.9 metric tonnes in the year 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided relevant data points for all four countries. The overview clearly highlights the contrasting trajectories of the countries, specifically noting the convergence of Sweden and Portugal. However, the response is slightly marred by the use of non-academic phrasing such as 'alpha' and 'omega' to describe time periods, which is inappropriate for a formal report. Additionally, while the data is generally accurate, the description of the trends could be more precise by focusing on the overall movement rather than listing every data point. The task is addressed well, but the tone needs to be more formal and objective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices like 'Similarly', 'In contrast', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel mechanical or slightly forced. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the progression of ideas within the paragraphs could be smoother. For instance, the transition between the UK and Sweden in the third paragraph is a bit abrupt. Overall, the information is easy to follow, but the use of cohesive devices could be more varied and natural to achieve a higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary, such as 'emitted', 'declined', and 'discharged'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choices and non-standard collocations that hinder the professional tone. Examples include 'outflowed', 'downfallen', 'leak', and the misuse of 'alpha' and 'omega' to refer to the beginning and end of the timeline. These errors indicate a lack of precision in academic vocabulary. To improve, focus on using standard terminology for describing graphs, such as 'peaked', 'fluctuated', or 'remained stable', and avoid creative or metaphorical language that does not fit the context of a data report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is a positive step. However, there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'The graph showcase' (subject-verb agreement), 'which shown an uneven increase' (incorrect verb form), and 'the Portugal territory' (incorrect article usage). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable and occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and the correct use of articles when referring to countries and data points.

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