Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The given line graph illustrates the proportion of per person emission of carbon dioxide in five different countries (United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal) from 1976 to 2007.

Overall, it is clear that the emission of carbon dioxide in Sweden and Portugal remained same in 2007, while United Kingdom had the highest percentage of carbon dioxide emission.

In 1967, in United Kingdom the emission of carbon dioxide accounted for 11 metric tones and it remained same in 1977. In contrast, in 1987 the level of carbon emission fell gradually to 10 metric tones, after that it started continuously declining and reached to 9 metric tones in 2007. Furthermore, in 1967, in Sweden almost 9 metric tones was the total emission of carbon dioxide and figure rose steadily from 9 metric tones to almost 11 metric tones in 1977. The rate of carbon dioxide emission drop significantly to 7 metric tones in 1987 and then reached at 5 metric tones in 2007.

Italy had greater than 4 metric tones emission of carbon dioxide in 1967, and the figure rose sharply from 4 metric tones to 6 metric tones in 1977. Moreover, the emission of carbon dioxide was about 7 metric tones in 1976 and the number remained same in 2007. In Portugal, the emission of carbon dioxide was 1 metric tones in 1976 and then it increased to 5 metric tones in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph and makes relevant comparisons. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For example, you state the UK had the 'highest percentage' of emissions, but the graph shows metric tonnes, not percentages. Additionally, you mention five countries in the introduction, but only four are listed in the prompt and graph. While you identify key trends, such as the UK's decline and Portugal's growth, the misinterpretation of units and the inclusion of incorrect data points (e.g., stating Sweden and Portugal remained the same in 2007 when the graph shows different values) limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific countries. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', and 'Moreover' to link ideas. However, the progression of information is occasionally hindered by confusing references, such as the sudden mention of 1976 in the final paragraph when the data points provided in the prompt are for 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997, and 2007. Improving the consistency of your referencing would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'accounted for', 'declining', 'rose steadily', and 'drop significantly'. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'proportion of per person emission' (which is redundant) and 'metric tones' (the correct spelling is 'tonnes'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, such as 'remained same' (should be 'remained the same') and 'the rate... drop significantly' (should be 'dropped'). Additionally, there are issues with preposition usage, such as 'reached at 5 metric tones' (should be 'reached 5 metric tonnes'). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the general message, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall accuracy.

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

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