Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-25

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 line graph illustrates the average emission of Carbon dioxide per person in the following four countries: the UK, Sweden, Italy and Portugal throughout 30 year period.

Overall, there was a major reduction in carbon dioxide emisson in Sweden and the UK compare to other countries. Italy and portugal were the only countries which emission of carbon dioxide was increasing.

In 1967, both Portugal and Italy start with the emission of about 1 and 4.4 metric tonnes of CO2 respectively. At the end of 2007, both Portugal and Italy shown a significant increased approximately 5 and 7.7 metric tonnes respectively.

Coming to the Sweden and the United Kingdom, in year 1967 Sweden started with about 8.8 metric tonnes of CO2 and peaked at year 1977 with more than 10 metric tonnes after that, it shown a major decreased in emission and leveled off with Portugal in 2007. The United Kingdom demonstrated smooth reduction throughout 30 year period started approximately 11 and ended with 8.8 metric tonnes of CO2.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for all four countries. However, there are inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you state that Sweden peaked in 1977 with 'more than 10 metric tonnes', but the graph shows the peak occurred in 1977 at approximately 10.5. Additionally, you mention the UK started at '11' metric tonnes, whereas the graph indicates a starting point of approximately 10.8. While the overview is clear, the precision of the data points is slightly lacking, which prevents a higher band score. The comparison between the countries is generally well-handled.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group the countries by their trends (those increasing vs. those decreasing). Cohesive devices are present, such as 'Overall', 'In 1967', and 'Coming to the Sweden', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or unnatural. Referencing is generally clear, though the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the data points more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'metric tonnes', 'reduction', and 'leveled off'. However, there are several errors in word choice and form, such as 'major decreased' (should be 'major decrease') and 'significant increased' (should be 'significant increase'). These errors do not impede communication, but they highlight a lack of precision in using word forms. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring correct word forms when describing trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors throughout the text, such as 'Italy and portugal were the only countries which emission of carbon dioxide was increasing' (should be 'whose emissions'), 'both Portugal and Italy start with' (tense inconsistency), and 'in year 1967' (missing article). While these errors are frequent, they rarely impede the reader's understanding of the data. Increasing the accuracy of verb tenses and article usage would significantly improve your score.

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

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