Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The given line graph represents the mean carbon dioxide release of each person in different countries like United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal in the years from 1967 to 2007.

The value of carbon dioxide discharge remained highest in the United Kindgom from year 1967 to 1977 and then started to decline after 1987. It was around 11 metric tonnes in 1967 and falls to 9 metric tonnes in 2007. On the other hand, Portugal was the country with the lowest emission in 1967 but then it started to rise with the passage of time. It was approximately 1.2 metric tonnes in 1967 and increased to nearly 5.3 metric tonnes in 2007 which is the same level as Sweden in 2007.

A gradual increment was noted in the Italy from 1967 to 1977; however, from this point onwards the number continued to increase and became the 3rd country with the most amount of carbon emission per person. While in Sweden, the number started to decline after 1977 and continued to decrease till 2007. From 1967 to 1977, it marked on the 2nd number with emission around 10.8 in 1977.

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 between the countries over the 40-year period. Key trends are accurately highlighted, such as the UK having the highest emissions initially and declining over time, while Portugal started the lowest and experienced a steady rise. Data points are appropriately cited, including figures like 11 metric tonnes for the UK in 1967 and 1.2 metric tonnes for Portugal. An overview of the general trajectory of the nations is effectively integrated, satisfying the core requirements of Academic Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response exhibits clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is grouped reasonably well into paragraphs by country and trend. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader, such as 'On the other hand' and 'however, from this point onwards', though referencing and transitions can occasionally feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is employed to separate different stages and nations, but the conclusion and introduction could be more tightly knit to create a smoother overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully using terms like 'mean carbon dioxide release', 'decline', and 'gradual increment'. There are some minor lexical inaccuracies or awkward collocations, such as 'release of each person' instead of 'emissions per capita' and 'marked on the 2nd number'. However, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the trends and comparisons clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used throughout the response. The student attempts various grammatical forms with moderate success, such as subordinate clauses with 'although' and 'while'. There are some notable grammatical errors, including 'falls to 9 metric tonnes' (tense consistency error) and 'noted in the Italy' (unnecessary article). Despite these recurrent slips, punctuation and grammar do not impede overall communication.

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

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