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 | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student covers all four countries and provides a clear overview of the main trends. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in reporting the data. For instance, the UK in 1967 was around 10.8 tonnes, but the student states it stood at approximately 11 tonnes and then declined to roughly 7 tonnes by 2007, whereas the chart shows it fell to 8.7 tonnes. Similarly, Sweden peaked at 10.3 tonnes in 1977 rather than 11 tonnes. Despite these data discrepancies, the overall trends and comparisons are generally well highlighted, satisfying the requirements of a Band 6.5 or 7, but held back by the misreading of the final UK and Swedish figures.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response is logically organised into four paragraphs, following a clear introduction, an overall summary, and detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Thereafter', and 'Moreover' are used adequately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different features of the graph. However, the logical progression could be smoother, and some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Overall arrangement is coherent and easy to follow throughout, earning a solid Band 7.0 for this criterion.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully using terms such as 'illustrates', 'contrasting trends', 'progressively', and 'comparatively stable'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though some inaccuracies occur in word choice or data interpretation. Spelling is accurate throughout the text. While the vocabulary range is sufficient for the task and allows for clear communication, it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The line graph illustrates changes in...' and 'Furthermore, Italy started at nearly 4.5 tonnes in 1967.' Grammatical accuracy is generally high, with frequent error-free sentences and good control over punctuation and tense consistency. While complex structures are attempted successfully, occasional minor inaccuracies and the limited variety of advanced grammatical forms keep this criterion at a Band 6.5, rounded to 6.0 based on standard scoring bands.
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