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 in 1967. The values went up slowly to just above 6 metric tons in 1977 and just below 7 metric tons in 1987 accordingly. By the end of the period, the emissions were close to 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 marginally higher than 8 metric tons in 2007. The United Kingdom rose from a figure marginally lower than 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 6.0

The response effectively addresses the task by identifying the main trends and providing relevant comparisons. You successfully highlighted the overall contrast between the UK and Sweden versus Italy and Portugal. The key features, such as the downward trend for Sweden and the upward trajectory for Portugal, are clearly described. However, there is a factual error in your summary: you stated the UK recorded the highest emissions throughout the period, but the graph shows Sweden starting at a higher point (around 11 metric tons). Additionally, the description of the UK's trend contains inaccuracies regarding the specific data points shown in the graph. Ensuring data accuracy is crucial for a higher band score.

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 easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'On the other hand', and 'After that' to link sentences and paragraphs effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the trends of the four countries. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary the cohesive devices further to create a more natural, sophisticated flow between the data points.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrates', 'recorded', 'downward trend', and 'marginally higher'. This allows for clear communication of the data. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, relying heavily on 'recorded' and 'values'. To reach a higher band, incorporate more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'a significant decline'. The word choice is generally accurate, but there is limited evidence of less common lexical items or sophisticated collocations that would elevate the response.

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 nearly 11 metric tons over a decade.' Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are occasional errors, such as the phrasing 'the values were close to 5 metric tons' which is slightly repetitive. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the errors present do not impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more complex structures, such as participial phrases or relative clauses, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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