Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-22

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 8.0)

The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions produced per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, the UK had the highest level of CO₂ emissions throughout most of the period, although its figure gradually declined. In contrast, emissions in Italy and Portugal increased considerably. Sweden experienced a sharp rise followed by a significant fall. By 2007, the figures for Sweden and Portugal had become almost identical.

In 1967, the UK recorded the highest emissions, at approximately 10.7 metric tones per person, followed by Sweden at around 8.7 tones. Italy and Portugal had considerably lower figures, at about 4.2 and 1.2 tones respectively. Over the following decade, Sweden's emissions rose to just over 10 tones, almost reaching the UK level. However, they then fell sharply to around 7 tones in 1987 and continued declining to approximately 5.5 tones by 2007.

The UK's figure remained relatively stable until 1977 before gradually decreasing, reaching about 8.8 tones at the end of the period. Meanwhile, Italy saw a steady increase from 4.2 tones in 1967 to around 6.3 tones in 1977, and then rose further to 7.6 tones in 1997, where it remained until 2007.

Portugal experienced the most substantial proportional increase. Its emissions climbed steadily from only 1.2 tones in 1967 to about 5.4 tones in 2007. Thus, by the end of the period, Portugal and Sweden had almost the same level of emissions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main trends and provided a comprehensive overview of the data. You successfully selected key features, such as the UK's gradual decline and Portugal's significant growth, and made relevant comparisons between the countries throughout the period. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of specific figures supports your analysis well. You have fully addressed all parts of the task, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a clear, logical summary of the graph's information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an overview to specific details about the countries. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'Thus', which help to guide the reader through the comparisons. The paragraphing is skillful, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking; the flow of information is natural and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'gradually declined', 'sharp rise', 'relatively stable', and 'substantial proportional increase' show a sophisticated command of language appropriate for an academic report. There is only one minor spelling error ('tones' instead of 'tonnes'), which is a rare slip and does not impede communication. Your ability to use collocations accurately, such as 'recorded the highest emissions', contributes to the overall clarity and professional tone of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high level of accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'The UK's figure remained relatively stable until 1977 before gradually decreasing, reaching about 8.8 tones at the end of the period.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is consistent throughout. The few minor errors, such as the spelling of 'tonnes', are negligible and do not detract from the overall high quality of the grammar.

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