Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

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 1977 and slightly below 7 metric tons in 1987 accordingly. By the end of the period, the emissions were 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 nearly 11 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 7.5

The response covers all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the four countries. The overview is clear and highlights the key differences between the nations. You have selected key data points to support your descriptions, such as the starting and ending values for Portugal and Sweden. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are accurate; for example, your description of the UK's trend is slightly confusing, as you mention it rose to 11 metric tons but then state it decreased to 7 by 1987, which is a good observation, but the overall summary could be more precise regarding the peak years.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Similarly', and 'On the other hand' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the countries with upward trends from those with downward trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is generally clear. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid repetitive sentence structures, but the current level of organization is already quite strong and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'recorded', 'increased gradually', 'downward trend', and 'rose'. The use of 'metric tons' is appropriate for the context. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common synonyms for movement, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked at', or 'remained relatively stable'. The current vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication, but it lacks the 'less common' items required for the highest bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control of grammar is generally good. There are a few minor slips, such as 'slightly above 4 metric tons 1967' (missing 'in') and 'the values were close to 5 metric tons' which is slightly repetitive. However, these errors are infrequent and do not cause any difficulty for the reader. Your use of punctuation is generally correct, and the sentence variety is sufficient to convey the information clearly and accurately throughout the report.

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