Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-09

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 5.0)

The line graph gives information about average carbon dioxide release per person in four different countries Sweden, Italy, United kingdom, Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, intake of carbon dioxide in United kingdom was greater in metric tones. In the year 1987 emission of carbon dioxide gradually decreased.

United kingdom emits approximately 11 metric tones of carbon dioxide. Whereas Portugal intake was in minority of only 1 metric tones. In the year 1987, 1997, and 2007 carbon dioxide started to decrease for the United kingdom. In contrast with Portugal these years were beneficial.

Sweden had its highest ratio of carbon dioxide in 1977 of about 10.5 metric tones and then more often decreased upto 5.5 metric tones in 2007. The highest ratio of carbon dioxide in Italy

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Furthermore, the task is incomplete; the final sentence is cut off mid-thought, and the analysis of the data is superficial. While you identified some trends, you failed to provide a comprehensive overview or make sufficient comparisons between the four countries. Key data points are missing, and the information provided is somewhat fragmented. To improve, ensure you cover all countries mentioned in the graph, provide a clear summary of the main trends, and ensure the response is of sufficient length to fully develop your points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks a clear logical progression. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the ideas within the paragraphs are not well-connected. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'In the year'. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'furthermore') to connect your ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as grouping countries by their emission trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'intake' to describe carbon dioxide emissions, which is inaccurate in this context; 'emissions' or 'output' would be more appropriate. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'minority' to describe a low quantity, which is incorrect. The phrasing 'metric tones' is a spelling error (should be 'tonnes'). To reach a higher band, you need to use a more varied range of vocabulary related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'a significant decline'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage (e.g., 'in United kingdom' instead of 'in the United Kingdom'). Sentence structures are generally simple, and the attempt at more complex structures is hindered by errors. For example, 'In contrast with Portugal these years were beneficial' is unclear. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct article usage and pluralization. Ensure that your sentences are complete and grammatically sound before attempting more complex structures.

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

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