Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-24
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 illustrates the information of average carbon dioxide emissions per person in 1967 to 2007 in different countries. The figures is given in tonnes.
Overall, United kingdom and Sweden is the two countries in which carbon dioxide is used more in 1967, however they no longer exist in 2007 they steadily decline. Italy and Portugal go rise all over the period from 1967 to 2007.
In 1967, carbon dioxide is more used by United kingdom by 11 tonnes in 1967 to 1977, but they gradually fall down in 1987 to 2007 by 9 tonnes. On the other hand, Sweden start with 6 tonnes carbon dioxide used by individuals. In 1977, Sweden sharply soar at 10 tonnes approximately. In 1987, they sharply, plummet to 7 tonnes. By the end of the year, they steadily fall down in 2007 at 5 tonnes.
Italy, starts with 4.5 tonnes approximately in 1967, but significantly rise in 1977 at 6.5 tonnes. From 1977 to 1987 they stay constant, but in 1997 carbon dioxide gradually grow at 7.5 tonnes approximately. By the end of the year they remain stable. Portugal starts with 1.5 tonnes in 1967, then gradually climb in the 1987 by 3.5 approximately. In 1987 to 1997 carbon dioxide rapidly surgue to 4.5 approximately, and remain stable by the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and provides a clear overview of the trends. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reporting. For example, you state that the UK and Sweden 'no longer exist in 2007', which is a misinterpretation of the graph's data points. Additionally, the description of the UK's trend is confusing, as you mention '11 tonnes in 1967 to 1977' and then '9 tonnes', which does not accurately reflect the specific data points provided. To improve, ensure that you carefully read the axes and data points to report figures precisely. The overview is present but lacks the necessary precision to reach a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'By the end of the year' are used incorrectly to refer to time periods (decades). Furthermore, the referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the use of 'they' to refer to countries or trends, which creates ambiguity. While there is a basic logical progression, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the repetitive structure of the sentences limit the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic verbs like 'go', 'rise', 'fall', and 'start'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'carbon dioxide is used more', which is not the standard way to describe emissions. The phrase 'sharply soar' is redundant, as 'soar' already implies a sharp increase. To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuate', 'peak', 'level off', or 'gradual decline', and ensure you are using collocations correctly in an academic context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'United kingdom and Sweden is' and 'Sweden start'. There are also errors in tense usage, such as 'Sweden sharply soar' (should be 'soared') and 'they no longer exist' (should be 'emissions no longer exist'). While you attempt some complex sentence structures, they are often marred by these errors. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and ensure consistent tense usage when describing historical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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