Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide 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 is figure declined gradually after 1977. Sweden also experienced a significant decrease after reaching a peak in 1977.CO2 emissions in Italy and Portugal increased considerably over the 40-year period.

In 1967, the UK produced about 11 metric tonns of CO2 per person. Sweden was second, with around 8.5 tonnes. Italy produced about 4 tonnes, while Portugal had the lowest figure, at only around 1 tonne. In 1977, the figures for the UK AND Sweden were about 11 and 10 tonnes respectively. Italy increased to approximately 6 tonnes, while Portugal rose slightly to 2 tonnes.

After 1977, emissions in the UK gradually decreased and reached about 9 tonnes in 2007. Sweden had a bigger fall, dropping to a around 7 tonnes in 1987and about 5.5 tonnes in 2007. In contrast, Italy continued to increase and reached nearly 8 tonnes at the end of the period. Portugal also increased steadily, reaching about 5.5 tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons. You successfully highlighted the contrasting patterns between the UK/Sweden (downward trends) and Italy/Portugal (upward trends). The overview is clear and captures the essence of the data. You have included specific data points to support your descriptions, which is essential for a high band score. To reach the highest band, ensure that all data points are perfectly accurate; for instance, double-check the starting figures for 1967 to ensure they align precisely with the graph. Overall, the response is well-focused and covers all requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the general overview to specific details. You use cohesive devices such as 'In 1967', 'In contrast', and 'After 1977' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time periods and trends. The flow is natural, and the information is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing trends, such as 'declined gradually', 'significant decrease', 'increased considerably', and 'rose slightly'. The use of 'metric tonnes' and 'per person' shows an ability to handle technical data accurately. There are a few minor slips, such as 'is figure' (should be 'this figure') and 'tonns' (spelling error). To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' to show greater lexical flexibility and precision in your descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are clear and error-free, which allows for easy communication. There are some minor punctuation and mechanical errors, such as the missing space in '1977.CO2' and the capitalization error in 'UK AND'. Additionally, 'a around 7 tonnes' contains an unnecessary article. Despite these occasional slips, your control over grammar is generally strong, and these errors do not impede the reader's understanding of the information presented.

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