Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-04

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 6.0)

The graph illustrates normal carbon dioxide emissions per person in four European countries from 1967 until 2007.

The average carbon dioxide emissions showed downward trend for United Kingdom and Sweden nationals. By contrast, People from Italy and Portugal indicated gradual increase in average carbon dioxide emissions.

In 1967, the normal carbon dioxide emission was 11 metric tonnes per person for United Kingdom and 7 metric tonnes for Sweden. British nationals showed slow decrease and ended up at 9 metric tonnes per person in 2007, However, Sweden saw a sudden increase and peaked at 11 metric tonnes per person in 1977, but after that it followed a continuous decline and slipped to 5 in 2007.

Italy and Portugal's average CO2 emissions were approximately 5 and 1 metric tonnes per individual in 1967 respectively. Subsequently, both risen gradually and surged to 7 and 5 metric tonnes per person respectively at the end of 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features and trends of the graph. You have clearly distinguished between the countries that saw a decline (UK and Sweden) and those that saw an increase (Italy and Portugal). The inclusion of specific data points, such as the 1967 starting figures and the 2007 end figures, provides good support for your summary. However, the overview could be more pronounced; while you mention the trends, a more explicit summary statement highlighting the overall contrast between the two groups of countries would strengthen the response. You have covered all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction followed by two body paragraphs that group the countries by their respective trends. You use some cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast' and 'Subsequently'. However, the flow between sentences could be improved; for instance, the transition in the third paragraph ('However, Sweden saw...') is a bit abrupt. Additionally, the use of 'respectively' is good, but the paragraphing could be more balanced to ensure a smoother progression of ideas throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'metric tonnes', 'gradual increase', and 'continuous decline'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as using 'normal' instead of 'average' or 'typical', and 'nationals' which is slightly unnatural in this context. While you attempt to use more precise language, some phrasing remains repetitive. To reach a higher band, focus on using more varied collocations and ensuring that word choices are consistently appropriate for academic writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'both risen gradually' (should be 'both rose' or 'both have risen') and 'showed downward trend' (missing an article: 'a downward trend'). Punctuation is generally functional, though there is a comma splice in the third paragraph ('...in 2007, However, Sweden...'). Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the mistakes do not impede communication.

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

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