Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-11

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 tracks about the carbon dioxide emission per person in several countries of Europe in between 1967 and 2007.

In United Kingdom the proportion of the carbon dioxide emission per person is comparitively low than other countries. In 1967 the proportion of carbon dioxide emission is 11.5 metric tonnes . This falls to 8.5 in the year of 2007. In Sweden the situation is completely different . In 1967 the carbon dioxide emission per person is crucial but in 1977 it drop downs to 6.5 metric tonnes and after than it falls to 4.5 metric tonnes at the end of 2007.

In Italy carbon dioxides emmision is approximately equals to 3.2 metric tonnes in 1967 . The ratio of carbon emission increases gradually and then escalates to 7.9 metric tonnes in 2007. In Portugal carbon dioxide emission in 1967 is almost 1metric ton per person . This proportion then escalates to 4.5 at the end of year 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided data points for all four countries. However, the response lacks a clear overview, which is essential for a Band 7 or higher. You have also made some inaccuracies in data interpretation; for example, you described the 1967 figure for Sweden as 'crucial', which is not a standard way to describe statistical data. While you have covered the requirements, the lack of a summary paragraph that highlights the key differences (e.g., the UK and Sweden showing a downward trend while Italy and Portugal show an upward trend) limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with each country or group of countries discussed in turn. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For instance, you frequently start sentences with 'In [Country]'. To improve, you should use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly. The progression of information is clear, but the lack of an introductory overview or a concluding summary makes the structure feel slightly disjointed.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the trends, such as 'gradually', 'escalates', and 'proportion'. However, there are some word choice errors that affect precision. For example, 'tracks about' is incorrect; 'tracks' or 'illustrates' would be better. Using 'ratio' to describe CO2 emissions is also inaccurate; 'level' or 'amount' would be more appropriate. Additionally, there are minor spelling errors like 'comparitively' and 'emmision'. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise academic collocations would help raise your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You have attempted a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. For example, 'In United Kingdom' should be 'In the United Kingdom'. You also have issues with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, such as 'the carbon dioxide emission is crucial' and 'after than it falls'. While these errors rarely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher band score. Focusing on article usage and consistent verb tenses will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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