Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-02
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 graph illustrates the ratio of carbon dioxide emissions single individual in United Kingdom, Swedon, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007.
The percentage of carbon dioxide emissions in United Kingdom decreases over time while, the emissions in Italy and Portugal increases over the time. Swedon fluctuated during these years.
The average emissions of carbon dioxide per person in different countries during 1967 and 2007 shows that the ratio of emissions in United Kingdom start decreasing from 11 metric tonnes in 1967 and it go on decreasing to almost 9 metric tonnes in 2007. Swedon fluctuated over time, the carbon dioxide emissions start with great increase of 8 to almost 10 metric tonne. But then it start decreasing till 2007. Italy and Portugal take good start with increasing of carboon dioxide emissions in metric tonnes in every individual from 1967 to 1997. After 1997 both countries remains constant between 1997 and 2007.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the downward trend in the UK and the initial rise in Italy and Portugal. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends. The description of Sweden's data is inaccurate, as the graph shows a peak followed by a decline, which you described as a 'great increase' without noting the subsequent drop clearly. Furthermore, the data points are occasionally imprecise (e.g., 'almost 9 metric tonnes'). To improve, ensure you group data logically and provide a clear, concise overview that highlights the most striking differences between the countries at the start and end of the period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the flow between sentences is somewhat mechanical. You rely on basic transitions like 'but then' and 'after 1997', which limits the sophistication of the text. There is a lack of varied cohesive devices to link ideas more fluidly. The progression of information is generally logical, but the internal structure of the paragraphs could be improved by using more advanced linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'meanwhile') to better connect the trends observed across the four countries.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and limited. You frequently use basic phrases like 'increases over the time' and 'go on decreasing'. There are also several spelling errors, such as 'Swedon' (Sweden) and 'carboon' (carbon), which detract from the professional tone required for an Academic Task 1. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'experienced a gradual decline', 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 some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'ratio of carbon dioxide emissions single individual' lacks necessary prepositions, and 'Italy and Portugal take good start' is grammatically incorrect. Subject-verb agreement is also inconsistent, such as 'emissions... increases' and 'both countries remains'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles and prepositions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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