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 slightly below 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 slightly above 8 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 5.5

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and successfully selects key features for comparison. You have identified the contrasting trends between the countries well, such as the downward trend for Sweden versus the growth in Portugal. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies regarding the data. For instance, you state Italy reached 'slightly below 7 metric tons in 1987' and remained stable, whereas the graph shows a clear upward trend for Italy throughout the period. Additionally, the description of the UK's trend is confusing and contradicts the visual data provided. Accuracy in reporting data is a core requirement for Task 1; therefore, these errors limit the effectiveness of your summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the countries by their trends. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'On the other hand', and 'After that' to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. While the progression of ideas is generally clear, the internal logic within the second body paragraph is slightly hampered by the inaccurate data reporting, which makes the comparison harder to follow. Overall, the structure is sound and supports the flow of information effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, using terms like 'recorded', 'increased gradually', 'downward trend', and 'remained relatively stable'. This allows for a clear description of the graph's movements. There are no major spelling errors, and the vocabulary is appropriate for an academic report. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise collocations or varied ways to describe fluctuations, such as 'peaked at', 'fluctuated', or 'a marginal increase'. The current range is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The graph illustrates...' and 'The United Kingdom rose from a figure... to...'. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as the awkward use of 'accordingly' at the end of a sentence and some slightly repetitive phrasing. Punctuation is generally accurate. While you attempt complex structures, the frequency of error-free sentences is moderate. Focusing on varying your sentence beginnings and ensuring subject-verb agreement in more complex clauses would help improve your control.

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