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 below illustrates the average carbon dioxide emission per person in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal, between 1967 and 2007.
Overall, the United Kingdom has the highest carbon dioxide emission per person. However, Portugal has the lowest emissions per person, while Sweden and Italy fluctuate in the middle.
Regarding the United Kingdom, which has had the highest carbon dioxide emissions per person since 1967, at approximately 11% in 1967, but has slightly declined in later years However, remained one of the highest in 2007 at exactly 9%. Sweden also followed a similar pattern by remaining one of the highest carbon dioxide emissions per person, reaching its pinnacle in 1977 at an estimated 10.3%. Nevertheless, declined drastically, reaching an estimated 5.2% in 2007.
Turning to Portugal, it has remained one of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per person, with an estimated 1.1% in 1967; the emissions increased significantly but remain the lowest at an estimated 5.1% in 2007. Compared to that, Italy also followed the same pattern by remaining at just 4.2% in 1967. Nevertheless, it drastically increased to a surprising 7.8% in 2007.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview of the main trends, identifying the highest and lowest emitters. You successfully selected key features, such as the UK's decline and Portugal's growth. However, the task achievement is limited by the inaccurate use of percentages. The graph measures CO2 emissions in metric tonnes, not percentages. Referring to '11%' instead of '11 metric tonnes' is a significant factual error that misrepresents the data. To reach a higher band, ensure you correctly identify the units of measurement provided in the graph labels. The comparison between countries is generally well-handled, but the data interpretation needs more precision.
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 such as 'Regarding', 'Turning to', and 'Nevertheless' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as the abrupt start to the third paragraph: 'Regarding the United Kingdom, which has had...'. Additionally, the use of 'However' in the middle of a sentence ('...later years However, remained...') creates a punctuation error that disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring correct sentence structure would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuate', 'pinnacle', and 'drastically'. These words help convey the trends effectively. However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation. For instance, 'remained one of the highest carbon dioxide emissions' is slightly inaccurate; it should refer to the countries, not the emissions themselves. While the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Focusing on more accurate collocations related to data description will improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, there are several grammatical errors that impede clarity. For example, the sentence 'Regarding the United Kingdom... at approximately 11% in 1967, but has slightly declined in later years However, remained one of the highest...' is a run-on sentence with incorrect punctuation and missing subjects. There are also issues with verb tense consistency and fragment sentences. To improve, focus on ensuring each sentence has a clear subject and verb, and practice using commas and conjunctions correctly to connect clauses.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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