Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line chart compares the carbon dioxide emissions per person, in metric tonnes, from 1967 to 2007 in four different countries, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal.

It is clearly noticeable that two of the countries, the UK and the Sweden witnessed a substantial drop in their carbon dioxide emission, while the Italy and the Portugal exhibited a dramatic rise.

In the year 1967, the UK released approximately 11 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, the highest amount at that time, showed a steady decline following the years until it reached to an amount close to 9 metric tonnes, which was also highest of all in 2007. The Sweden started the amount at 9 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in 1967, witnessing a downward trajectory, it finally dropped the amount close to 6 metric tonnes.

The Italy emitted about 4 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide in 1967, but unfortunately, the number subsequently increased to approximately 5 metric tonnes in 2007. The Portugal was the lowest producer of carbon dioxide at the initial of the timeframe, but by the end of it, Portugal expanded its emission of carbon dioxide, reaching to about 5 metric tonnes of it in 2007.

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 selected relevant features, such as the contrasting trends between the UK/Sweden and Italy/Portugal. However, the report could be improved by including more precise data comparisons. For instance, while you mention the UK and Sweden declined, you could explicitly compare their starting and ending points to highlight the magnitude of change. Additionally, the overview could be more integrated into the introduction or as a distinct paragraph to ensure the 'main features' are highlighted more prominently. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use paragraphing appropriately to separate the declining countries from the increasing ones. Cohesive devices are present, such as 'In the year 1967' and 'by the end of it', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the use of articles is inconsistent (e.g., 'the Italy', 'the Sweden'), which occasionally disrupts the flow. Improving the variety of linking words would help the progression feel more natural and sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'substantial drop', 'dramatic rise', and 'downward trajectory' effectively. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'at the initial of the timeframe' (should be 'at the beginning of the period') and 'expanded its emission' (which is slightly unnatural in this context). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score. Focusing on more academic collocations would enhance your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly regarding the use of definite articles (e.g., 'the UK and the Sweden', 'the Italy and the Portugal'). There are also minor errors in verb tense and preposition usage, such as 'reached to an amount' (should be 'reached an amount') and 'showed a steady decline' (which lacks a subject). These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and sentence construction will improve your accuracy.

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