Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-29

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 compares the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, the United Kingdom recorded the highest level of CO2 emissions throughout the period, although its figure gradually declined. Sweden also experienced a decrease after reaching a peak in 1977. Conversely, Italy and Portugal showed steady increases in emissions over the 40 years.

In 1967, the UK emitted about 11 metric tonnes of CO2 per person, making it the largest producer among the four countries. This figure fell slowly to around 9 tonnes by 2007. Sweden began at approximately 8.5 tonnes and rose to just over 10 tonnes in 1977. After that, emissions dropped sharply, reaching about 5.5 tonnes at the end of the period.

Meanwhile, Italy's emissions increased consistently from around 4 tonnes in 1967 to nearly 8 tonnes in 2007. The most significant growth was seen between 1967 and 1977. Portugal had the lowest emissions at only about 1 tonne per person initially. However, its figure increased steadily throughout the period and reached around 5.5 tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, such as the UK's overall decline and the steady growth in Italy and Portugal. The key features are well-selected, and the comparisons between countries are accurate and relevant. You successfully highlighted the peak in Sweden's emissions and the contrasting trajectories of the four nations. The data is presented clearly, and the summary is logically structured, meeting all the requirements for a high-band response by focusing on the most significant data points rather than listing every single figure.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Conversely', 'Meanwhile', and 'After that', to link sentences and ideas smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows naturally from one point to the next. The referencing is clear, and the relationship between the different countries' trends is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information accurately. Phrases like 'recorded the highest level', 'gradually declined', and 'emitted about 11 metric tonnes' are precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common synonyms to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although its figure gradually declined' and 'The most significant growth was seen between 1967 and 1977'. The punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over tense usage is consistent, correctly reflecting the historical data provided in the graph. The writing is clear and professional, showing a high level of accuracy throughout the text.

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