Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
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 stood 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 in 1967 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
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by summarising the main trends and selecting key features from the chart. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting the contrasting trends and overall positions of the countries. However, there is a minor inaccuracy in reading the data for the UK terminal point: the student states it declined to 'roughly 7 tonnes by the end of the period', whereas the chart shows it fell to approximately 8.7 tonnes. Despite this numerical slip, the response accurately identifies the overall downward trend for the UK and upward trends for Italy and Portugal, adequately fulfilling the requirements for Band 6.5 or 7.0. Given the solid coverage of trends, it fits well within Band 6.5 standards.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall arrangement. Information is grouped reasonably, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing specific country data. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Thereafter', and 'Moreover' are used to connect ideas, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in structure. Paragraphing is employed appropriately to separate general statements from specific details, maintaining a clear logical progression throughout the text. Referencing is mostly clear, allowing the reader to follow the comparisons smoothly, which aligns comfortably with the Band 7.0 descriptors.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate and appropriate for the task, successfully conveying trends and measurements using terms like 'exhibited contrasting trends', 'progressively', and 'comparatively stable'. There are attempts at less common lexical items, but some inaccuracies occur, such as the inaccurate reading of the UK data point ('roughly 7 tonnes' instead of 8.7). Spelling and word choice are generally accurate and do not impede communication. To reach a higher band, the student could incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary and collocation, but the current range comfortably satisfies Band 6.0 requirements.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and introductory phrases effectively (e.g., 'The line graph illustrates changes in...'). There is good control of past tense verbs necessary for describing historical data. While minor errors exist, such as the slight imprecision in data interpretation, the grammatical structures remain mostly accurate and do not impede communication. Punctuation is handled well throughout the response, yielding an overall performance consistent with a Band 6.5 score.
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.