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 line graphs presents the average carbon dioxides (CO2) emissions per person in the europe countries are United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal. The time period is from 1967 to 2007. The unit is in metric tonnes

Overall, The United Kingdom is slightly dropping till the end while, portugal is sharply increased.However Sweden had increased but in the end it connect with Portugal.

Firstly, United Kingdom has around 11 metric tonnes of CO2 ; peaked in all time, however it has slightly decreased in overall time period. Sweden had sharply increased from 8.5 to 10.2 in a decade after that it fell to 7 , then it slightly decreasing to 5.5 in 2007.

Afterward, Italy is dramatically increasing in deacades. Around from 2 to 6.3 in one decade has sharply increased, However, after that it slightly roses till 1997 afterthat, it stuck in 9.5 at the end. The most notable thing was Portugal, Around from 1.5 to 3.5 it has been rosed from 1967 to 1987, however after that it sharply goes to 5.4 in one decade, then it stuck around 5.5 in 2007

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for the four countries. You successfully identified the downward trend for the UK and the upward trend for Portugal. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, focusing on listing data points rather than synthesising the information to highlight key comparisons. For instance, while you mention the countries, the overview could be more analytical by grouping the countries based on their trajectories. Some data points, such as the specific figures for Italy, are slightly inaccurate based on the provided graph, which affects the clarity of the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'Overall', 'Firstly', and 'Afterward'. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed, and some transitions are used incorrectly, such as 'However' when it does not contrast with the preceding clause. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when referring to specific time periods or trends. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used to connect ideas logically rather than just as signposts would improve the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main ideas, using terms like 'peaked', 'dramatically', and 'sharply'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choices and incorrect verb forms, such as 'europe countries', 'roses' (instead of 'rose'), and 'stuck' (which is informal). The repetition of 'sharply' and 'increased' limits the sophistication of your writing. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('The line graphs presents'), incorrect tense usage ('has been rosed'), and missing articles. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalization after periods. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage would be highly beneficial.

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