Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-21

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 given line graph illustrates the carbon dioxide emitted by inhabitants in the UK, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007, measured in metric tonnes.

Overall, it is readily apparent that the average emission of carbon dioxide of the population of the UK recorded the highest, however, it declined steadily. Where as Sweden witnesses a sudden fall. Notably, the emission of carbon in Italy and Portugal exhibited a consistent rise.

At the beginning of the period , the UK represented 11 metric tonnes which fell gradually every year and stood at just over 8 metric tonnes towards the end of the year. Furthermore, Sweden recorded just over 8 metric tonens average per person in 1967. and after decade it rose and reached a peak of over 10 metric tonnes. A notable exception is that, After 1977, the amount of emitted by per person fell suddenly. By 2007, it consisted the lowest number with 5 metric tonnes, which was similar to Portugal recorded at last.

Moreover, Italy presented 4 metric tonnes in the beginning, and started increasing, at the end of the given period it recorded a double number than it was in the starting. Finally, Portugal with recorded the least emission by its citizen 1 metric tonnes per person and followed the same trend and by 2007, it recorded 5 metric tonnes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the UK's decline and the growth in Italy and Portugal. However, there are some inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, you state that Sweden's emissions fell to 5 metric tonnes by 2007, which is not clearly supported by the graph, and your description of Italy's growth as 'double' is slightly imprecise. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are cited with greater precision and that the overview highlights the most significant contrasts more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'Finally', and 'At the beginning of the period' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For example, 'A notable exception is that, After 1977' is punctuated incorrectly, and some sentences feel disconnected. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'inhabitants', 'metric tonnes', 'witnesses', and 'exhibited'. However, there are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'recorded a double number than it was' and 'amount of emitted by per person'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your report. To improve, focus on using more natural collocations and ensuring that your vocabulary is used accurately in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('Sweden witnesses', 'Portugal with recorded'), missing articles, and incorrect preposition usage ('amount of emitted by per person'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and periods. While these errors rarely prevent the reader from understanding your meaning, they occur frequently enough to keep the score at a 6.0. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy would be highly beneficial.

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

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