Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-05

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 5.5)

This is the The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emitted per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007. The figures are measured in metric tonnes.

Overall, CO₂ emissions declined in the United Kingdom and Sweden, whereas Italy and Portugal experienced an upward trend. The UK had the highest emissions throughout the period, while Portugal recorded the lowest figure at the beginning. By 2007, Sweden and Portugal had almost identical levels of emissions.

In 1967, the UK produced approximately 10.7 metric tonnes of CO₂ per person, compared with around 8.6 tonnes in Sweden. The UK's figure remained relatively stable until 1977 before gradually declining to about 8.8 tonnes in 2007. Sweden, in contrast, rose to a peak of approximately 10.5 tonnes in 1977.

It overtook Sweden towards the end of the period and then levelled off.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and identifies key features such as the UK's highest emissions and the convergence of Sweden and Portugal. However, the response is incomplete as it fails to describe the data for Italy and Portugal in the body paragraphs, leaving the task only partially addressed. Furthermore, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the overall task achievement score. To improve, ensure all four countries are discussed in the body paragraphs and provide a more comprehensive analysis of the data points provided in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'while', and 'in contrast' are used effectively to link ideas. However, the progression of information is interrupted by the sudden ending of the text, and the final sentence is somewhat ambiguous as it refers to 'It' without a clear antecedent, making the reference unclear. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the lack of a second body paragraph to balance the information makes the overall structure feel underdeveloped.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for the task, with terms like 'upward trend', 'emitted', 'metric tonnes', and 'levelled off' demonstrating a sufficient range for the topic. There are no significant spelling errors, and the word choice is accurate enough to convey the intended meaning. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more varied and precise vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'remained constant', rather than relying on simpler descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the opening complex sentence and the use of comparative clauses. Grammar is generally accurate, with only minor issues like the redundant 'This is the The' at the beginning of the text. Punctuation is handled well throughout. While the range of structures is adequate for the task, more complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or varied subordinate clauses, would demonstrate greater control and help achieve a higher band score.

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

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