Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-18

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

Overall, the UK had the highest level of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the period, although its figure gradually declined. Sweden also experienced a significant decrease after reaching a peak in 1977. However, Italy and Portugal also experienced a significant increases.

To begin with, the United Kingdom had the highest level of carbon dioxide emissions, at about 10.8 tonnes per person, followed by Sweden at approximately 8.5 tonnes. By 1977, Sweden's figure had increased significantly to just over 10 tonnes, while the UK's emissions remained almost same. After 1977, Sweden's emissions fell sharply to around 7 tonnes in 1987 and 5.5 tonnes in 2007, whereas the UK decreased more gradually to approximately 8.8 tonnes.

In contrast, Italy and portugal recorded upward trends over the period. Italy emissions rose from about 4.2 tonnes in 1977, before reaching around 7.5 tonnes in 1997 and then remaining stable until 2007. Portugal had the lowest emissions, at only 1.2 tonnes, but its figure increased steadily to about 3 tonnes in 1987 and 2007

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across all four countries. An overview is provided, highlighting the general trends such as the UK's downward trajectory and Sweden's peak followed by a decrease, contrasted with the upward trends in Italy and Portugal. Key data points are accurately cited, such as the UK starting at approximately 10.8 tonnes and Sweden reaching over 10 tonnes in 1977. While some minor figures could be more detailed, the response fully meets the requirements for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs comparing the countries. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Overall', 'To begin with', and 'In contrast', which help guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the graph. Although cohesion is sometimes slightly mechanical, the overall structure supports a smooth flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing less common items and functional language appropriate for describing data, such as 'gradually declined', 'significant decrease', 'peak', 'fell sharply', and 'upward trends'. There are a few minor lexical slips, such as 'a significant increases' (grammatical error spilling into lection) and a missing word ('Italy emissions'), but these do not impede communication. The use of vocabulary allows for precise reporting of trends and figures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including dependent clauses introduced by 'although', 'while', and 'whereas'. There are frequent error-free sentences, demonstrating good control over grammar and punctuation. However, a few minor inaccuracies persist, such as 'a significant increases' and 'Italy emissions' instead of 'Italian emissions' or 'Emissions in Italy'. These errors are non-systematic and do not interfere with the overall clarity of the message, placing the response solidly in the Band 7 category.

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