Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-31

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 represent data on average carbon dioxide emission per person across 1967 and 2007 focusing on United kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal. This is design to show how the figures change over time.

In graph vertical lines show carbon dioxide emission in metric tones while horizontal lines show years. Overall, Sweden followed a clear downward path while Portugal moved in opposite direction to highest path. The most striking feature is United kingdom. In 1967, carbon dioxide emission in Portugal in lowest but in 2007 there is increase between 2 to 4 tones. In United kingdom, there is highest carbon emission in 1967 but decrease in 2007. In Italy carbon dioxide emission is also increases between 6 to 8 metric tones which shows the highest change in 2007 among other countries.

In conclusions, there is change in carbon emission in different countries from 1967 and 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you identify the main trends, such as the downward path of Sweden and the upward trend of Portugal, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You mention the United Kingdom but do not provide specific data points to support the description of its trend. Furthermore, the comparison between countries is limited. To improve, ensure you include specific data points (years and metric tonnes) for all countries mentioned to support your summary and ensure the response meets the length requirement to avoid a penalty.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally mechanical (e.g., 'In graph', 'In conclusions'). The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the four countries. To improve, use a wider range of linking words and phrases to connect sentences and ideas more fluidly, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic terms like 'change', 'increase', and 'decrease'. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'highest path' and 'lowest' when referring to emission levels. The use of 'tones' instead of 'tonnes' is a spelling error that affects the professional tone of the report. To improve, incorporate more topic-specific vocabulary related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'declined steadily', or 'remained stable'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, such as 'The line represent' (subject-verb agreement), 'This is design' (passive voice error), and 'In graph vertical lines show' (missing articles). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation hinder the flow of the writing. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and practice constructing more complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions.

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

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