Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The graph illustrate the data of 4 decades of 4 countries average carbon dioxide emission per person.
In 1967, United Kingdom was on top their number of carbon dioxide emission per person was between 10-12 metric ton. After one decade its going down and in 1987 it reached at 10 per person and after that time till 2007 its consistently decreased. If we see the graph of Sweden it was between 8-10 and trend was upward till 1977 and then suddenly going to downward. Italy's graph was near to 4 and increasing till 1977 and when reached near to 8 in 1997 then it was stable till 2007. The last country on the graph which is Portugal was at around about 1 and its trend was upward till 1997 and then it showed stability till 2007 and reached near about 6. At 1997 we can make vertical line that will cross all the lines at single point.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the general trends for the four countries. However, it lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends, which is essential for a Band 6 or higher. The description of the data is somewhat mechanical, focusing on individual points rather than synthesizing the information. For instance, the mention of a 'vertical line' at 1997 is an unnecessary observation that does not contribute to a summary of the data trends. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory overview of the main differences and similarities between the countries' emission patterns.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is presented as a single paragraph, which hinders logical progression. There is a lack of paragraphing to separate the introduction from the body of the analysis. While some cohesive devices are used (e.g., 'In 1967', 'After one decade'), the flow is often repetitive and disjointed. The transition between describing different countries is abrupt. To improve, organize your response into distinct paragraphs: an introduction, an overview of the main trends, and two body paragraphs detailing specific data points and comparisons.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'going down', 'going to downward', and 'reached near about' are informal and imprecise. There is a lack of varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'declined gradually'. While the meaning is generally clear, the range is not sufficient to demonstrate flexibility or precision. Using more academic collocations would significantly enhance the quality of the report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('The graph illustrate'), missing articles ('United Kingdom was on top'), and awkward phrasing ('its going down'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and using articles appropriately before country names and nouns.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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