Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-21
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 illustrates amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by per person in United Kingdom, Sweden, Itali and Portugal over a fourty-year period from 1967 to 2007.
Overall, it can be seen that the CO2 emissions per person recorded highest in United Kingdom. However, Sweden and Itlay expereinced some fluctuations throughout the period. Portugal, gradually increased by the end of the period.
To begin with, United Kingdom ranked first initially, which was 11 metric tonnes in 1967. However, it started to decrese significantly and stood at 7 metric tonnes in 2007. Sweden recorded 7 metric tonnes carbon dioxide in 1967 but, it climbed dramatically in 1977 over 11 metric tonnes However, it decline substantially in 2007, at about 5.5 metric tonnes.
The figures of Italy and Portugal of CO2 emissions recorded 4.4 and 1 metric tonnes, respectively. Moreover, Italy experienced an increase after 1967 and it represented 7.5 metric tonnes in 2007 which, makes them second highest. Portugal climbed considerably after 1977 and ended at 4.5 metric tonnes in 2007.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to cover the main features of the line graph, including general trends and starting/ending points for the four countries. However, there are several inaccuracies in the data reported. For example, the UK is stated as being 11 metric tonnes in 1967 and 7 in 2007 (actual figures are around 10.8 and 8.7), and Sweden's figures and Italy's starting points also contain noticeable discrepancies. The overview identifies the main trends broadly, noting the UK's high emissions and Sweden's fluctuations, but misses a clear synthesis. While the task is partially addressed, the data misreadings limit the band score to a 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into four paragraphs, following a logical layout with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing specific data points. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as "Overall", "To begin with", and "Moreover". However, referencing and transitions are sometimes clumsy or mechanical (e.g., "The figures of Italy and Portugal of CO2 emissions recorded..."). Paragraphing is functional, but the overall progression of information feels somewhat disjointed due to phrasing issues. This aligns well with the Band 6 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student attempts a range of vocabulary appropriate for a task 1 response, including terms like "fluctuations", "dramatically", "substantially", and "respectively". However, there are multiple spelling and word choice errors, such as "Itali" instead of Italy, "expereinced", and awkward phrasing like "produced by per person". Less common vocabulary is attempted with mixed success, and word formation issues recur. Communication is generally maintained, placing this performance in the Band 5.5 to 6.0 range, comfortably supported at Band 6.0 for adequacy.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some variety in structure. However, there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including missing prepositions, incorrect verb forms ("it decline substantially"), and comma splices or awkward relative clauses ("which, makes them second highest"). While these errors do not completely prevent comprehension, they are frequent enough to detract from grammatical control, restricting the score to a 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.