Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The multiline graph depicts the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the country of United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between the time span of 1967 and 2007.

Overall, the graph showed an increasing trend in Portugal and Italy, while United Kingdom and Sweden experienced a downfall over the years. All data is given in metric tonnes.

In 1967, United Kingdom's per person emission was more than 10 metric tonnes, which remained at the same level till 1967. It decreased steadily to less than 9 metric tonnes in 2007. Sweden's individual figures were more than 8 metric tonnes, which surged to more than 10 in a decade and then dipped to 7 metric tonnes in 1987. It kept decreasing and reached its lowest of 5.4 in 2007.

Portugal started with the least emission on the graph with only 1 metric tonne in 1967. It increased linearly to 3 metric tonnes in 1987, and after some fluctuations reached at the same level as of Sweden in 2007 (more than 5 metric tonnes). Italy's figures were more than 4 in 1967, after which it climbed unsteadily and surpassed Sweden in 1987. It reached its peak of nearly 6.8 in 1997 and remained in the same range.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and highlighted the key differences between the increasing trends in Italy and Portugal and the decreasing trends in the UK and Sweden. The data is accurately reported, and you have made relevant comparisons, such as noting when Italy surpassed Sweden. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are precise; for example, you mentioned the UK remained at the same level 'till 1967', which is slightly confusing given the starting point of the graph. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries by their trends. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'while', 'after which', and 'in a decade', which help connect the information. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to transition between sentences more smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. The referencing is generally clear, though some sentences could be more tightly linked to improve the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'increasing trend', 'downfall', 'surged', 'dipped', and 'fluctuations'. These terms are used accurately and appropriately for an academic report. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is precise enough to convey the information clearly. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items related to data description, such as 'a marginal decline', 'a sharp rise', or 'a plateau'. Your current range is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication of the data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear and error-free, though there are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'reached at the same level' (should be 'reached the same level') and 'the country of United Kingdom' (should be 'the United Kingdom'). Despite these occasional errors, your control over grammar is generally good, and the meaning is never obscured. You demonstrate a good grasp of tense usage when describing past trends. Increasing the variety of complex structures could further enhance your score.

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

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