Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-20

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 7.0)

The given graph illustrates the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per person in four different countries — the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal — between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, citizens of the United Kingdom produced the highest amount of carbon dioxide emissions throughout the period, although the figure gradually decreased. In contrast, emissions in Portugal increased steadily over the given years. Sweden experienced a rise followed by a significant decline, while Italy showed a gradual increase.

Firstly, Portugal continuously increased its carbon dioxide emissions from 1967 to 2007, with the figure rising from approximately 1 metric tonne to 5 metric tonnes per person. Moreover, the United Kingdom had the highest level of emissions at the at the beginning of the period, at around 11 metric tonnes per person. However, this figure gradually decreased and reached approximately 9 metric tonnes in 2007.

On the other hand, Sweden initially experienced an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, reaching nearly 10 metric tonnes per person. However, its emissions then declined dramatically and fell to less than 6 metric tonnes by 2007. Meanwhile, Italy showed a steady increase in emissions throughout the period, rising from around 4 metric tonnes in 1967 to approximately 6 metric tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student covers all four countries and provides a clear summary of the main trends and data points between 1967 and 2007. The overview paragraph accurately captures the most salient features, noting the UK's highest and decreasing emissions alongside Portugal's steady upward trend. Specific figures are generally accurate, with minor approximations that align well with the visual data (e.g., UK starting at around 11 metric tonnes and Portugal starting around 1 metric tonne). However, there is a minor numerical inaccuracy in the final paragraph regarding Italy, where the student states emissions reached approximately 6 metric tonnes in 2007, whereas the chart shows Italy plateauing at roughly 7.6 metric tonnes. Despite this slight data misinterpretation, all parts of the task are well addressed with appropriate selection and reporting of features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. It begins with a clear introductory paragraph paraphrasing the prompt, followed by a well-crafted overview paragraph that summarises the overarching trends. The body paragraphs are logically divided to group the countries, using appropriate cohesive devices and transition signals such as 'In contrast', 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, creating a clear progression of ideas from introduction to conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, employing appropriate verbs and adverbs to describe trends (e.g., 'gradually decreased', 'increased steadily', 'rose', 'declined dramatically'). Less common lexical items are attempted with reasonable success, such as 'citizens', 'period', and 'plateau'. Word choices are generally natural and precise, though there is a minor repetition of phrases like 'carbon dioxide emissions per person'. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses effectively (e.g., 'although the figure gradually decreased', 'while Italy showed a gradual increase'). Grammatical control is strong, with frequent error-free sentences. Punctuation is handled well, and there is a good variety of tense usage suited to past data reporting. Errors are extremely rare, which demonstrates a high level of accuracy across the text.

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