Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The bar chart illustrates the average carbon dioxide emissions per person across four countries, the United kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal , measured in metric tonnes, from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, it is evident that Italy and Portugal showed an upward trend over the whole period, while the United Kingdom and Sweden showed a downward trend.

In detail, the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the UK stood at 11 metric tonnes in 1967, before declining to 10 metric tonnes in 1987. This figure decreased to 9 metric tonnes in 2007. Sweden recorded around 8 metric tonnes in 1967, before rising to 11 metric tonnes in 1977. This figure fell to 7 metric tonnes in 1987 and reached approximately 5 metric tonnes in 2007. Italy represented around 4 metric tonnes in 1967, before increasing to 6 metric tonnes in 1977. This figure climbed to 7 metric onnes in 1987 and increased to just under 8 metric tonnes in 2007. Portugal showed 1 metric tonne in 1967, before increasing to 2 metric tonnes in 1977 and reaching approximately 3 metric tonnes in 1987. This figure made up just under 5 metric tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all requirements of the task. You have identified the main trends—the downward trajectory of the UK and Sweden versus the upward trend of Italy and Portugal—and provided a clear overview. The data is accurately selected and reported, with specific figures used to support the descriptions. To reach a higher band, ensure that you make more explicit comparisons between the countries rather than just listing the data for each one individually. For example, noting that the UK's emissions remained higher than those of the other countries throughout the period would strengthen the analytical aspect of your response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the countries by their trends. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'before declining to' and 'before rising to', which help link the data points. However, the structure is slightly repetitive, relying heavily on a similar sentence pattern for each country. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and use more sophisticated cohesive devices to connect the sentences and paragraphs, which would improve the flow and make the writing feel less mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'upward trend', 'downward trend', and 'metric tonnes' correctly. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly. However, there is a lack of variety in your reporting verbs and descriptive language. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise vocabulary to describe the changes, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'surpassed'. Additionally, there is a minor spelling error ('metric onnes'), which should be avoided through careful proofreading.

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 grammatically sound. However, there are some minor punctuation and capitalization issues, such as 'United kingdom' (should be 'United Kingdom'). While your grammar is generally accurate, the sentence structures are somewhat repetitive, often following the same 'subject + verb + figure + before + participle' pattern. Introducing a wider variety of complex structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice, would demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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