Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-30

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 that average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal throughout the 1967 to 2007.

Overall, in both countries Italy and potugal the average carbon dioxide emissions per person were increased. In contrast, remaining two countries were decreased.

On the one hand, the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in portual has began at one metric tonnes in 1967. Later that, gradually rose approximately five metric tonnes by the year 2007. Similarly, Italy had four metric tonnes co2 emissions released per person in 1967 and continuously increased around seven metric tonnes by the year 2007.

On the other hand, the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in sweden had begin at 8.5 metric tonnes in 1967 later went upto 11 and then steadily fell to 5 in 2007 and even lower than italy while same as portugal at the end. Similarly, the united kingdom had 11 metric tonnes co2 emissions released per person in 1967 and continuously decrased around seven metric tonnes by the year 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all four countries and identifies the main trends, such as the upward trajectory for Italy and Portugal and the downward trend for the UK and Sweden. However, the overview is slightly inaccurate; it states that the UK and Sweden 'decreased' throughout the period, but the data shows Sweden actually fluctuated before falling. Additionally, the summary lacks a clear comparison of the starting and ending points, which is essential for a high-scoring Task 1 response. While the main features are identified, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks the depth required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into four paragraphs, which is a logical structure for this task. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the one hand' and 'Similarly', though some transitions feel mechanical or slightly forced. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the referencing is occasionally confusing, such as the phrase 'remaining two countries were decreased', which lacks grammatical cohesion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two groups of countries, which helps the reader follow the comparison.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks sophistication. The student uses basic terms like 'rose', 'fell', and 'increased' repeatedly. There are also some errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'potugal' (Portugal), 'portual' (Portugal), and 'decrased' (decreased). The use of 'metric tonnes' is correct, but the overall lexical control is limited. To improve, the student should incorporate more varied synonyms for trends and ensure accurate spelling of proper nouns and technical terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. Examples include 'the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Kingdom... throughout the 1967 to 2007' (missing verb), 'had began' (incorrect tense), and 'went upto' (informal/incorrect spacing). Subject-verb agreement and preposition usage are inconsistent throughout the text. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the high frequency of errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

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

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