Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-06

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 6.0)

The line graph depicts the information about average carbon dioxide (CO2) discharges by single individual in four various countries; UK, Sweden, Italy and Portugal during 1967 to 2007, measured in metric tones.

Overall, the highest amount of carbon dioxide released in United Kingdom among other regions, while the least amount of CO2 emitted in Portugal in 1967.

In 1967, United Kingdom emitted more than 10 metric tones, making it the highest release compared to other nations. There was a remain stable till 1977, then a minimal decline was seen from 10 metric tones in 1997 to around 9 metric tones in 2007. Meanwhile, Sweden represented more than 8, while carbon emission sharply rose in 1977 to above 10 metric tones. There was sudden drop till 2007, with around 5 metric tones.

Turning to the Italy, it constituted more than 4. However, a significant growth was noticed in 1977 to almost 6.5 metric tones. There was minimal rise from 1987 to 1997 and it remained unchanged till 2007 to nearby 8 metric tones. Last observation of the Portugal, it released more than 1 metric tones. It continuously grew till 2007, with around 5 metric tones.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all requirements of the task. You have identified the main trends for all four countries and made relevant comparisons, such as noting the UK's initial dominance and the contrasting trends between Sweden and Portugal. The overview is clear and highlights the key features effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with greater precision; for example, 'more than 10 metric tones' is acceptable, but being more specific where the graph allows (e.g., 'approximately 11 metric tonnes') would improve the quality of the report. Overall, the response is well-focused and addresses the prompt comprehensively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries logically. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Meanwhile', 'Turning to', and 'Last observation of', which help guide the reader through the data. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'There was a remain stable' and 'Last observation of the Portugal'. Improving the variety and natural flow of these linking phrases would enhance the coherence of the response. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'discharges', 'emitted', 'significant growth', and 'remained unchanged'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'discharges by single individual' (should be 'emissions per person') and 'nearby 8 metric tones' (should be 'nearly 8'). Additionally, 'metric tones' is a spelling error; the correct term is 'metric tonnes'. While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Expanding your range of reporting verbs and adverbs would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'There was a remain stable' (should be 'remained stable'), 'Turning to the Italy' (remove 'the'), and 'Last observation of the Portugal' (should be 'Regarding Portugal'). Some sentences lack proper articles or have incorrect verb forms. While the meaning remains clear throughout, the frequency of these minor errors suggests that a band 6.0 is appropriate. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles with country names.

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

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