Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-22

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 7.5)

The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007.

Overall, carbon dioxide emissions decreased in the UK and Sweden, while they increased in Italy and Portugal. The UK recorded the highest emissions for most of the period, whereas Portugal had the lowest figures.

In the UK, emissions were about 10.7 tonnes per person in 1967 and remained almost unchanged until 1977. After that, they gradually decreased, reaching around 8.8 tonnes in 2007. Sweden started at approximately 8.7 tonnes in 1967 and rose to just over 10 tonnes in 1977. However, its emissions then fell significantly to about 5.5 tonnes by 2007.

In contrast, Italy and Portugal experienced overall increases. Italy's emissions rose from around 4.2 tonnes in 1967 to approximately 7.7 tonnes in 2007. Portugal also increased considerably, from about 1.2 tonnes to 5.4 tonnes during the same period. By 2007, Italy had higher emissions than the other three countries except the UK.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the four countries over the given time period. An effective overview is provided, highlighting the general downward trend in CO2 emissions for the UK and Sweden, and the upward trend for Italy and Portugal. Key data points, such as the UK starting at 10.7 tonnes and falling to 8.8 tonnes, and Portugal rising from 1.2 to 5.4 tonnes, are accurately cited from the visual data. The selection and presentation of data are accurate and well-supported, satisfying all descriptors for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph paraphrasing the prompt, followed by a concise overview, and then well-structured body paragraphs detailing specific country trends and comparisons. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In the UK', 'However', and 'In contrast' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is logical and used appropriately throughout the response, ensuring all aspects of cohesion are well managed.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, using functional terms such as 'emissions', 'gradually decreased', 'remained almost unchanged', and 'experienced overall increases'. Less common vocabulary items like 'considerably' and 'significantly' are integrated well. Word choices and collocations are accurate, and there are no noticeable spelling or lexical errors that impede communication. The lexical range allows for precise reporting of the visual data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a good variety of sentence structures, including both simple and complex forms. Sentences such as 'The UK recorded the highest emissions for most of the period, whereas Portugal had the lowest figures' demonstrate solid control over complex syntax. The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and tense usage throughout the response. Grammatical control is strong, allowing the information to be conveyed smoothly and without ambiguity.

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

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