Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-18

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 5.0)

The graph illustrate the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007. we have to calculate the average carbon dioxide emission in each country. In United Kingdom, the average carbon dioxide emission gradually decrease to 11 to 9 metric tonnes from 1967 to 2007. In Sweden, the average carbon dioxide emission increase from 8 to 10 metric tonnes from 1967 to 1977 and then slowly decrease to 5 metric tonnes from 1977 to 2007. In Italy, the carbon dioxide emission increase from 4 to 8 metric tonnes from 1967 to 1997 and in 1997 to 2007 it stables. In Portugal, the average carbon dioxide emission increase from 1 to 5 metric tonnes from 1967 to 1997. From 1997 to 2007, it stable and equal to Sweden.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main trends for the four countries, the analysis is quite basic and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant features. For example, you mention specific data points but do not compare the countries effectively, such as noting that the UK started as the highest emitter but ended lower than Sweden. To improve, ensure you include a clear introductory overview and extend your analysis by grouping trends or highlighting major contrasts between the nations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks paragraphing, which is essential for a clear structure. The information is presented in a list-like fashion, moving from one country to the next without a logical flow or cohesive devices to link ideas. While the progression is chronological within each sentence, the lack of an overall structure makes the response feel disjointed. To improve, use separate paragraphs for the introduction/overview and the body details. Incorporate linking words such as 'In contrast', 'Conversely', or 'Meanwhile' to help the reader follow your comparisons between the countries.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is repetitive and limited. You frequently use the same verbs, such as 'increase' and 'decrease', and phrases like 'average carbon dioxide emission'. There is little attempt to use a wider range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuate', 'peak', 'decline', or 'remain stable'. Furthermore, there are errors in word choice and form, such as 'it stables' instead of 'it remained stable'. To reach a higher band, try to vary your verbs and nouns and ensure you use the correct word forms when describing data trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Subject-verb agreement is often incorrect, such as 'The graph illustrate' (should be 'illustrates') and 'it stable' (should be 'it remained stable'). Additionally, there are issues with tense consistency; since the data is in the past, you should consistently use the past simple tense (e.g., 'increased' instead of 'increase'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with little evidence of complex sentence forms. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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