Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

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 recorded the highest level of emissions throughout the period, although its figure declined gradually. By contrast, Italy and Portugal experienced sustained increases, while Sweden’s emissions rose sharply at first before falling considerably. By 2007, emissions in Sweden and Portugal had converged at approximately 5.7 metric tonnes per person.

In the United Kingdom, emissions stood at around 10.8 tonnes per person in 1967 and remained relatively stable at just over 10 tonnes until 1977. Thereafter, the figure declined steadily, reaching approximately 9.5 tonnes in 1997 and 8.8 tonnes by 2007. Sweden followed a different pattern. Its emissions increased from about 8.7 tonnes in 1967 to a peak of roughly 10.3 tonnes in 1977. However, this was followed by a sharp fall to around 7 tonnes in 1987 and approximately 5.7 tonnes at the end of the period.

Italy, meanwhile, saw a consistent rise from approximately 4.2 tonnes in 1967 to 6.3 tonnes in 1977 and 7 tonnes in 1987. Its emissions continued to increase, reaching about 7.8 tonnes in 1997, after which they remained almost unchanged. Portugal recorded the lowest emissions initially, at only around 1.2 tonnes per person. Nevertheless, its figure increased steadily, reaching 3.3 tonnes in 1987 and approximately 5.5 tonnes in 1997, before finishing at about 5.7 tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have fully addressed all parts of the task by selecting and reporting the main features of the graph. The overview clearly identifies the key trends, such as the UK's gradual decline and the contrasting patterns of the other countries. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, such as noting the convergence of Sweden and Portugal by 2007. The data is accurately represented, and the selection of information is balanced, ensuring that all four countries are covered without unnecessary detail. This meets the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, and then the detailed breakdown of the countries. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Thereafter', and 'meanwhile', which help the reader follow the narrative of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow is natural and unobtrusive, making the report very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases like 'sustained increases', 'converged at', and 'remained almost unchanged' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language suitable for an academic report. The terminology is accurate, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied verbs and adverbs to describe the trends, which contributes to the overall fluency of the piece.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have effectively used complex sentences, such as 'Although its figure declined gradually' and 'Its emissions increased from about 8.7 tonnes in 1967 to a peak of roughly 10.3 tonnes in 1977'. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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