Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide released per person in four countries between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, the United Kingdom recorded the highest emissions while Portugal had the least amount of carbon dioxide released over the period. The gap between the two categories was quite noticeable.

Initially, Portugal recorded 1 metric ton, this figure increased gradually to around 3 metric tons in 1987 and nearly 5 metric tons by the end of the period. Similarly, Italy had slightly above 4 metric tons 1967. The values went up slowly to slightly above 6 metric tons in 1997 and around 7 metric tons in 1987 accordingly. Between 1997 and 2007, the curve remained relatively stable with a figure slightly below 8 metric tons.

On the other hand, Sweden showed a downward trend with figures dropping from around 11 metric tons in 1967 to a value slightly above 8 metric tons in 2007. The United Kingdom rose from a figure close to 9 metric tons in 1967 to slightly above 10 metric tons over a decade. After that, the values decreased to around 7 metric tons in 1987 and by 2007, the values were close to 5 metric tons.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all requirements of the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons. You successfully highlighted the contrasting trends between the UK/Sweden (downward) and Italy/Portugal (upward). However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you mentioned Italy reached 7 metric tons in 1987, but the graph shows this figure was reached later, and your description of the UK's trend contains inconsistencies regarding the timeline of the decline. To improve, ensure that the data points cited align precisely with the visual information provided in the graph to avoid misrepresenting the facts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally easy to follow. You used cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'On the other hand', and 'After that' to link sentences and paragraphs. However, the transition between the description of Italy and the UK could be smoother, and some referencing is slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the data trends effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'recorded the highest emissions', 'downward trend', and 'remained relatively stable' are used appropriately. There is some repetition of the word 'figure' and 'values'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for data points, such as 'levels', 'proportions', or 'quantities', and use more precise collocations when describing trends, such as 'a steady decline' or 'a significant surge'. The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are error-free, there are occasional slips, such as 'Italy had slightly above 4 metric tons 1967' (missing a preposition) and 'in 1987 accordingly' (which is used incorrectly in this context). The use of tenses is generally consistent with the past time frame required. To improve, focus on ensuring that prepositions are used correctly with dates and that complex sentences are constructed with greater precision to avoid minor grammatical lapses.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.