Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-01

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 6.5)

The provided line graph illustrates the typical number of CO2 emitted by a single person across the UK, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007. ( units are measured in metric tonnes).

Overall, there was a downward trend in the amount of carbon dioxide emissions in Sweden and UK over the given period while for Portugal and Italy an upward trend was seen. Moreover, the total number of emissions were largest for the UK, throughout the period and the total emissions for Sweden and Portugal were same during the end of the period.

During the initial period, the UK accounted for about 11 metric tonnes of emissions, the highest among all the nations for that period and during the next decade, this figure remained largely unchanged. However, by 1987, it had dropped slightly to 10 metric tonnes and continued to decline further reaching almost 9 metric tonnes in 2007. Conversely, Sweden represented more than 8 metric tonnes of total CO2 emissions, this number rose sharply to more than 10 metric tonnes over the next 10 years but plummeted to around seven metric tonnes in 1987. It fell down continuously to 6 metric tonnes in 1997 and by 2007, it had dropped to less than six metric tonnes.

On the other hand, Italy accounted for just over 4 metric tonnes of emissions in 1967. This figure climbed steadily to more than 6 in 1977. By 1997, it had attained a figure that was just below 8 which levelled off and remained the same until 2007. Similarly, Portugal shared about 1 metric ton of emissions during the starting period and continued to rise over the next 20 years reaching almost 3 metric tonnes in 1987, after which it surged significantly to nealt 5 metric tonnes in 1997. Though just like Italy, their numbers pleateud over the next decade and were the same as that of Sweden in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the UK's consistently high emissions and the convergence of Sweden and Portugal by 2007. The data is accurately reported, and the key features are highlighted well. To reach a higher band, ensure that your overview is more distinct from the body paragraphs and avoid minor inaccuracies, such as stating the UK emissions were 'largest' throughout the period when the graph shows Sweden was higher in 1967.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'On the other hand', and 'Similarly' to link your points effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the information is easy to follow, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the data trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'plummeted', 'surged', and 'levelled off'. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'nealt' instead of 'nearly' and 'pleateud' instead of 'plateaued'. Additionally, some phrasing is slightly unnatural, such as 'typical number of CO2 emitted'. While you attempt less common vocabulary, these small errors and occasional awkward collocations prevent a higher score. Focusing on precise word choice and proofreading for spelling will help improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'the total number of emissions were largest' (subject-verb agreement) and 'units are measured in metric tonnes' (missing article). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To improve, aim for greater control over complex structures and ensure subject-verb agreement is consistent. The majority of your sentences are clear, but more error-free complex sentences are needed for a higher band.

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

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