Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-24

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 changes in the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in four countries, namely the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal, over the period from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, it is evident that the figures exhibited contrasting trends over the given period, with some figures increasing, while others declined. The United Kingdom recorded the highest figure, whereas Portugal had the lowest figure. However, the figure for Sweden decreased over the given period.

Looking at the details, the United Kingdom stood at approximately 11 tonnes in 1967, after which it declined to roughly 7 tonnes by the end of the period. Furthermore, Italy started at nearly 4.5 tonnes in 1967. Thereafter, it increased continuously to just over 7.5 tonnes in 2007.

Looking more closely at the data, in 1967 Portugal was at nearly 1.25 tonnes and then increased progressively to just over 5 tonnes in 1997. Subsequently, it remained comparatively stable until the end of the period. Moreover, Sweden started at around 9 tonnes at the beginning of the period and then rose before reaching approximately 11 tonnes in 1977. Thereafter, it fell sharply to just under 5.5 tonnes in 2007.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student provides a good overview of the main trends shown in the graph, noting the contrasting movements of emissions across the four countries. The UK is correctly identified as having the highest figures, and Portugal the lowest. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for example, the UK is stated to have declined to roughly 7 tonnes by the end of the period, whereas the graph shows it finishing at 8.7 tonnes. Additionally, Sweden's starting point and peak are slightly misread (starting at around 8.6 and peaking near 10.3 rather than 11). Despite these data discrepancies, the key features and general comparisons are successfully reported, satisfying the core requirements of Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introductory statement, followed by an overview, and then two body paragraphs detailing the specific country trends. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the data, with phrases like 'Overall, it is evident', 'Looking at the details', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific data points, ensuring a clear progression of information throughout the essay, although some transitions between sentences feel slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to graphical data such as 'illustrates changes', 'exhibited contrasting trends', 'increased continuously', and 'remained comparatively stable'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some success, though there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice or data interpretation. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures successfully (e.g., 'over the period from 1967 to 2007', 'while others declined'). There is a good variety of tense usage suited to past data. While there are a few minor inaccuracies—such as the misreading of data values affecting precision—grammatical control is generally sound, and punctuation is handled well. The majority of sentences are error-free, allowing for smooth reading.

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