Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-03
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 given line graph represents carbon dioxide emission per each individual in the United kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between the year 1967 and 2007.
As shown in the graph, the highest emission increased steadily per person in the year 2007, which is nearly 8% in the Italy. However, the least carbon dioxide emission in metric tonnes also reached lowest by nearly 6% in the similar year by Sweden and Portugal.
Apart from this, as given information Portugal has reached nearly 1% to 4.8% carbon emission per person from the year 1967 to 2007. Whereas, United kingdom has shown rapidly decline in the same year from atleast 11% to 9%. And the line graph shown about Sweden, it drastically increased to nearly 11%, than suddenly decreased to nearly 5% in the same year. In the end, Italy is the only country which has outnumbered all the countries by increasing rapidly carbon emission per person from the year 1967 to 2007.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, but the data interpretation is significantly flawed. You have misinterpreted the units (using percentages instead of metric tonnes) and the data points themselves are inaccurate. For example, stating that Italy reached 8% or that the UK declined from 11% to 9% does not reflect the actual values provided in the graph. While you have attempted to select and report main features, the lack of accuracy in reporting the data prevents a clear overview. To improve, focus on accurately reading the axes and ensuring that the figures cited align with the visual information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused. Phrases like 'Apart from this' and 'In the end' do not always transition logically between the points being made. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, particularly in the final paragraph where the comparison between countries feels forced. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words more naturally and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that flows logically into the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There is a reliance on basic descriptive language, and some word choices are inaccurate, such as 'outnumbered' when referring to carbon emissions. Additionally, the repetition of 'per person' and 'in the same year' limits the range of your writing. To improve, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'a marginal increase'. Expanding your range of synonyms will help make your writing more sophisticated and precise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect preposition usage ('in the Italy'), subject-verb agreement errors ('the line graph shown about Sweden'), and awkward phrasing ('reached lowest by nearly 6%'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. You should focus on proofreading for basic errors, particularly with articles, prepositions, and verb tenses, to ensure your sentences are grammatically sound.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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