Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The graph below illustrates the average carbon dioxide emissions of each people in the 4 countries between different years 1967, 1977,1987, 1997 and 2007.
Overall, Portugal has the least emissions of carbon dioxide whereas United Kingdom has the highest of it. Sweden and Portugal have equal number of people who emissions carbon dioxide.
To commence with, in 1967 united kingdom was the highest where people consumed carbon dioxide and slowly it get decrease in 2007. Sweden in 1967 were 8 metric tonnes and it get rapidly increase and get above to 10 and then noticeable change occur in 1987 as it get decrease and then it goes down again till 2007.
To add furthermore, Italy was 4 of metric tonnes and get increase instantly in 1977 and in 1997 and 2007 it get into the same level. Portugal has a change in every year as it get increase every time and in 2007 it get equal to Sweden.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, such as the overall trends for the four countries. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains factual inaccuracies, such as the claim that Sweden and Portugal have an equal number of people emitting CO2, which misinterprets the data (metric tonnes per person). The description of trends is also imprecise; for instance, stating the UK 'slowly it get decrease' lacks the necessary detail regarding the specific figures or the extent of the decline. To improve, you should focus on accurately reporting the data points and making clearer comparisons between the countries at the start and end of the period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'To commence with' and 'To add furthermore', which do not always fit the context of a data summary. The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, particularly in the second paragraph where the transition between countries is abrupt. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track which country or trend is being discussed. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic verbs like 'get' and 'increase' or 'decrease' throughout the text. There are also significant issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'average carbon dioxide emissions of each people' instead of 'per person', and 'consumed carbon dioxide' which is not the correct term for emissions. The misuse of 'metric tonnes' and the awkward phrasing 'get into the same level' hinder the precision required for an Academic Task 1 response. You need to expand your range of vocabulary to include more precise terms related to data description.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures, and there are frequent grammatical errors that affect readability. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'it get decrease', 'it get increase'), incorrect tense usage, and awkward sentence construction. There is a lack of complex structures, and the errors in basic grammar are persistent throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent verb tenses and correct sentence formation will be essential for improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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