Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graph illustrates the comparison of average emissions of carbon dioxide per individual in four countries, United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal, in duration of forty years (1967 -2007). The UK contribute the highest emissions throughout the period despite of plummeted over the time. Meanwhile, although slightly incline trend has been shown by Portugal, despite of that still remained at lowest throughout the period.
The UK peaks at 1967 at 11 metric tonnes, gradually declined after remaining stable at 1977 and ends at 9 metric tonnes. Followed by Sweden, was at 9 metric tonnes, dramatically declined after peaking in 1977, dropped from approximately 10.5 metric tonnes to 5 metric tonnes till 2007. The emissions in Italy was nearly 4,5 metric tonnes at start but surged dramatically around 7.5 metric tonnes in 2007. The lowest emissions shown by Portugal, soared up to 5 metric tonnes, effectively matching with Sweden, still remained at lowest.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trends and specific data points for the four countries. You successfully identified the UK as the highest emitter and Portugal as the lowest, while noting the contrasting trends in Italy and Sweden. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical, and the description of the data could be more precise. For instance, stating that Italy 'surged dramatically around 7.5 metric tonnes' is a bit vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are clearly linked to the specific years provided in the prompt to provide a more comprehensive overview of the data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction and a body paragraph, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and occasionally awkward. Phrases like 'despite of' are used incorrectly, and the transition between sentences could be smoother. The paragraphing is sufficient, but the internal flow within the second paragraph feels a bit like a list of data points rather than a cohesive analysis of trends. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing is accurate would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'plummeted', 'surged', and 'metric tonnes' appropriately. However, there are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'slightly incline trend' (should be 'slight upward trend') and 'despite of' (which is grammatically incorrect). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band. Focusing on correct collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing will help you achieve a more sophisticated tone.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'The UK contribute' (subject-verb agreement error), 'despite of plummeted' (incorrect preposition and verb form), and 'The emissions in Italy was' (subject-verb agreement). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and the proper formation of passive and active voice structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.