Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the ratio of emitted carbon dioxide in four different countries, including England, Sweden, Italy and Portugal, from 1967 to 2007.

In general, the United Kingdom recorded the highest ratio of carbon dioxide emission in 1967 and remained on top till 2007. while Portugal recorded the lowest ratio initially. Sweden observed some fluctuation during this period, while Italy gradually increased the ratio of carbon dioxide.

In 1967, England recorded about 11 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, which gradually declined and fell to just above 8 metric tonnes in 2007. Sweden emitted more than 8 metric tonnes in 1967, which then just experienced a one-time rise, almost above 10 metric tonnes in 1977, before dramatically falling to below 6 metric tonnes in 2007.

Italy and Portugal followed a similar trend; in both countries the ratio of emitted carbon dioxide gradually increased. During 1967, Italy emitted more than 4 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, while Portugal emitted around 1 metric tonne of carbon dioxide. By 2007, both countries experienced the rise in carbon dioxide emission, which was just below 8 metric tonnes for Italy and around 5 metric tonnes for Portugal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features and trends of the graph. You provided a clear overview and supported your points with relevant data from the four countries. However, there is a factual inaccuracy in your introduction: you refer to 'England' instead of the 'United Kingdom' as stated in the prompt. Additionally, while you describe the trends well, the comparison between the countries could be more integrated. For instance, noting that the UK and Sweden showed a downward trend while Italy and Portugal showed an upward trend would have provided a more sophisticated summary of the data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In general', 'while', and 'before' to link ideas effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally clear, although the repetition of 'ratio of carbon dioxide' makes the flow slightly mechanical. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'gradually increased', 'dramatically falling', and 'remained on top' are used appropriately. However, the term 'ratio' is used repeatedly and is not the most precise word for describing emissions; 'levels' or 'amount' would be more accurate. There is also a minor error in the introduction where you label the UK as 'England'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' to avoid repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are clear and error-free, which ensures that the meaning is never obscured. There are a few minor slips, such as 'experienced the rise' (should be 'experienced a rise') and the misuse of 'while' at the start of a sentence in the second paragraph. Punctuation is generally accurate, and your control over verb tenses is consistent with the historical nature of the data. The grammar is strong enough to support clear communication throughout the task.

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

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