Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The graph shows the average amount of carbon dioxide emissions per person in four countries— the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal—between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, carbon dioxide emissions decreased in the United Kingdom and Sweden, while they increased considerably in Italy and Portugal. The UK had the highest level of emissions at the beginning of the period, whereas Portugal had the lowest.

Firstly, carbon dioxide emissions in the United Kingdom were more than 10 metric tonnes per person in 1967. However, this figure gradually decreased over the following years and reached less than 10 metric tonnes in 2007.

Secondly, Sweden's carbon dioxide emissions were approximately 8 metric tonnes per person in 1967. After initially increasing, the figure decreased and reached around 6 metric tonnes by 2007.

In Italy, carbon dioxide emissions were about 4 metric tonnes per person in 1967. They increased steadily throughout the period and reached just under 8 metric tonnes in 2007.

Finally, Portugal had the lowest level of carbon dioxide emissions in 1967, at less than 2 metric tonnes per person. However, emissions increased significantly and reached approximately 6 metric tonnes in 2007.

In conclusion, the UK and Sweden experienced decreases in carbon dioxide emissions, whereas Italy and Portugal saw significant increases over the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the downward trajectory of the UK and Sweden versus the upward trend in Italy and Portugal. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the data. You have also made relevant comparisons, such as noting the UK's high starting point compared to Portugal's low beginning. The data is accurately reported, and the key features are highlighted well. To reach a higher band, ensure that you integrate the data points more fluidly into your analysis rather than listing them country by country, which would allow for more sophisticated comparative reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the data, which aids readability. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'However', 'whereas', and 'In conclusion' to link your ideas effectively. The progression of information is smooth, moving from the general overview to specific country details. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall coherence of the report. The use of transition words is generally natural and helps the reader follow the comparison between the four nations throughout the 40-year period.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information accurately. Terms like 'metric tonnes', 'gradually decreased', and 'increased significantly' are appropriate for a data-driven report. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it is somewhat repetitive in its structure. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increased' and 'decreased' (e.g., 'surged', 'plummeted', 'fluctuated', 'witnessed a decline') and use more sophisticated collocations to describe the trends. Overall, the vocabulary is accurate and does not impede communication, but it lacks the variety required for the highest bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'The UK had the highest level of emissions at the beginning of the period, whereas Portugal had the lowest.' The punctuation is generally accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which is a strong indicator of your proficiency. To improve further, you could experiment with more complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses (e.g., 'Starting at 4 metric tonnes, emissions in Italy rose steadily...') to enhance the flow and demonstrate a wider grammatical range.

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