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 graph below illustrates the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per person in different European countries between 1967 and 2007.

In 1967 the emission of carbon dioxide per person was high in United Kingdom and then it decreases from 11 metric tonnes to almost 9 metric tonnes in 2007 and it was lowest in the Portugal in 1967 starting from 1.1 and then gradually increases to 5.4 metric tonnes per person till 2007.

While it remains quite moderate for the other two countries as in the Sweden it started from 8.8 metric tonnes in 1967 and then it increases in 1977 as it was 10.5 and then again decreases in 1987 and till 2007 it ends at 5.6 metric tonnes which is similar to the amount of carbon dioxide emission in Portugal.

In Italy it started from 4.2 metric tonnes in 1967 and increases with the passage of years , in 1977 it was almost 6.4 and then in 1987 it was 7 and ends at 7.9 in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all four countries and the time period provided. However, it lacks a clear overview of the main trends, which is a requirement for a high band score in Task 1. While the data is reported, the description is somewhat mechanical, listing figures for each country without effectively synthesising the information or highlighting the most significant trends, such as the UK's decline versus Italy's steady growth. To improve, you should include a summary paragraph that identifies the overarching patterns (e.g., the convergence of figures by 2007) rather than just listing data points chronologically.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and basic. Phrases like 'and then' are used frequently to link sentences, which makes the flow feel mechanical. There is a lack of variety in transition words. To improve, try using more sophisticated linking expressions such as 'In contrast,' 'Conversely,' or 'Meanwhile' to connect ideas and show the relationship between the data points more clearly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks range and precision. You rely heavily on basic verbs like 'increases' and 'decreases' and repeat 'metric tonnes' frequently. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or collocations related to data description. To achieve a higher band, try to vary your verbs (e.g., 'fluctuated,' 'peaked,' 'remained stable') and use more precise nouns or adjectives to describe the trends (e.g., 'a gradual rise,' 'a significant decline').

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. For example, 'in the Sweden' (incorrect article usage), 'it increases in 1977 as it was 10.5' (tense inconsistency), and 'in the Portugal' (incorrect article). Additionally, some sentences are run-on or lack proper punctuation, such as 'increases with the passage of years , in 1977'. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage (past tense for historical data) will significantly improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.