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 graph illustrates the average carbon dioxide emissions per person by metric tonnes in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, it is clear that United Kingdom and Sweden carbon dioxide emissions per person decreased over the period given, while for Italy and Portugal, it rose. At the start of the period, United Kingdom has the highest emissions per person, while Sweden was the second in place, by the end, it surpassed by Italy.

Regarding the average carbon dioxide emissions per person by United Kingdom, it began at roughly 11 metric tonne and then decreased to 10 tonne in 1987 before plunged even lower to about 9 tonne in 2007. Likewise, Sweden started at 8 tonne in 1967, peaked at approximately 10.1 tonne , after which the number continue plummeted to roughly 4.8 tonne in 2007.

On the other hand, Italy experienced a reverse trend, began at 4.1 tonne in 1967, soared to approximately 6.8 tonne surpassing Sweden. Portugal suffer a similar outcome as Italy, started at nearly 1 tonne in 1967, skyrocketed to roughly 4.8 tonne in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all parts of the task well. You have identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the four countries. The overview clearly contrasts the downward trend of the UK and Sweden with the upward trend of Italy and Portugal. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in the data reporting; for instance, you mention the UK began at 'roughly 11 metric tonne', whereas the graph shows it closer to 10.5. Additionally, the statement that Italy 'surpassed' Sweden is accurate, but the description of the UK's decline could be more precise. Overall, the information is well-selected and effectively highlights the key features of the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the two distinct trends. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the declining countries from the rising ones. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Likewise', and 'On the other hand' are used to guide the reader through the data. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by minor grammatical errors in referencing, such as 'by the end, it surpassed by Italy', which lacks a clear subject-verb connection. Despite this, the progression of ideas remains clear throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. You successfully use verbs like 'soared', 'skyrocketed', and 'plummeted' to describe the trends, which adds precision to your writing. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'by metric tonnes' instead of 'in metric tonnes' and 'second in place' instead of 'second place'. Additionally, there is a lack of pluralization in some instances, such as '11 metric tonne' instead of 'tonnes'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors that affect accuracy. For example, 'the number continue plummeted' should be 'the number continued to plummet', and 'Portugal suffer a similar outcome' should be 'Portugal suffered a similar outcome'. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency (e.g., 'United Kingdom has the highest' instead of 'had'). These errors are frequent but do not prevent the reader from understanding the data, placing this in the Band 6 range.

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.