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 graph shows the average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in metric tones in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal. The graph further, shows the emission ranging from the year 1967 to 2007 with ten years of gap in each.
The Co2 emission of Portugal starts from 1 metric tones in the year 1967, and gradually went upward till 3 in 1987, and 5 metric tones in year 2007. Same is the case with Italy, where the emission gradually grew higher. In 1967, the emission started from the range of 4 metric tones and went up above the 6 in 1977, and reached to the nearest point of 8 metric tones in 1997 and 2007.
However, the emission Sweden is shown curved. The emission grew significantly from 1967 to 1977. Then it slowly bent downwards, i.e. in 1977, it crosses 10 metric tones, but after it reached 7 in 1987, and then below the 6 in 2007.
Whereas, the emission of co2 in UK was at the point of 11 metric tones in 1967, but then incrementally, the emission reached to the 9 metric tones in 2007.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and identifies the main trends, such as the upward trajectory of Italy and Portugal and the decline in the UK. However, the overview is missing; a summary of the main features (e.g., the UK starting as the highest emitter while others increased) is essential for a higher band. The data reporting is generally accurate, though some descriptions are slightly imprecise, such as describing Sweden's trend as 'curved' rather than identifying the peak and subsequent decline. To improve, ensure you include a clear overview paragraph that highlights the most significant differences or patterns across the entire period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on specific countries. There is a clear progression of information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'Same is the case with' and 'Whereas' are used, but the transition between ideas could be smoother. Additionally, the paragraphing is functional but could be more sophisticated to better group the countries based on their emission patterns (e.g., those that increased vs. those that decreased). Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences occasionally feels disjointed.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe trends using terms like 'gradually went upward', 'incrementally', and 'significantly'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'metric tones' (should be 'tonnes') and 'the emission Sweden is shown curved'. The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors for trends. To reach a higher band, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe data, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and ensure correct spelling of technical terms like 'tonnes'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'The graph further, shows' (unnecessary comma), 'the emission Sweden' (missing preposition), and 'it crosses 10 metric tones, but after it reached 7' (tense inconsistency). These errors are noticeable but do not impede communication. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing historical data. Increasing the variety of complex structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice more effectively, would also enhance the score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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