Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-26
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 7.5)
The line graph illustrates average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007. Figures are measured in metric tonnes.
Overall, CO2 emissions declined in the United Kingdom and Sweden, whereas Italy and Portugal experienced an overall increase. The UK remained the largest emitter throughout the period, while Portugal started with by far the lowest level. By 2007, however, the gap between the four
9countries had narrowed considerably.
In 1967, the UK produced approximately 10.8 tonnes of CO2 per person, compared with around 8.6 tonnes in Sweden. The UK's figure remained fairly stable until 1977 before gradually falling to about 8.8 tonnes in 2007. Sweden, on the other hand, rose sharply to just over 10 tonnes in 1977. After reaching this peak, its emissions declined substantially, falling to approximately 5.5 tonnes by the end of the period.
By contrast, Italy and Portugal saw steady growth. Italy's emissions increased from just over 4 tonnes per person in 1967 to around 6.2 tonnes in 1977 and approximately 7.8 tonnes in 1997, after which they levelled off. Portugal experienced the most significant proportional increase, rising from about 1.2 tonnes in 1967 to roughly 5.4 tonnes in 2007. Thus, by the end of the period, Portugal's emissions were almost equal to Sweden's, while Italy had become the second-highest emitter.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent and fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selected and reported key features, such as the contrasting patterns between the UK/Sweden and Italy/Portugal. Comparisons are made effectively throughout the report, particularly when noting the narrowing gap between the countries by 2007. The data is accurately represented, and the inclusion of specific figures supports the analysis well. The response is well-structured and covers the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report comprehensively, demonstrating a clear understanding of the data provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized and flows smoothly from the introduction to the overview and the detailed body paragraphs. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is coherent. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'whereas', 'while', 'by contrast', and 'after which', which help to link the information naturally. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends observed in the data. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure is highly effective in presenting the information to the reader.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'remained fairly stable', 'declined substantially', 'levelled off', and 'proportional increase' are used accurately and appropriately for an academic report. There is a good awareness of collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition. The language used is sophisticated and contributes to the clarity and professional tone of the report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, including subordinate clauses and comparative structures, which are handled with ease. Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses is consistent, correctly reflecting the past time frame of the data. The grammatical complexity is sufficient to support the clear communication of the trends, and there are no significant errors that impede understanding.
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