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 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
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing an overview of the main trends and making relevant comparisons between the four countries. The figures cited are generally accurate, although there are minor inaccuracies regarding the UK's endpoint, which actually finished at 8.7 tonnes rather than the student's estimate of roughly 7 tonnes. Similarly, Sweden's starting point and peak were slightly misread from the graph. Despite these minor discrepancies, the response successfully highlights key features such as the UK's descending trend, Italy's steady growth, and Portugal's low starting point followed by stability. The overview captures the overall contrasting patterns effectively. This performance aligns well with Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptors, showing clear task coverage with some minor data reading errors.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response is logically organised into four distinct paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing specific data points. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Furthermore', 'Thereafter', and 'Moreover' are used to guide the reader through the information. Progression is generally clear, although paragraphing could have been structured more strategically around groups of countries rather than individual lines. Referencing is mostly clear, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. This corresponds well to a Band 7.0 for clear logical organisation and paragraphing.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, using terms such as 'illustrates', 'exhibited contrasting trends', 'progressively', and 'comparatively stable'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and data interpretation, such as stating the UK declined to 'roughly 7 tonnes' when it was closer to 8.7 tonnes. Less common lexical items are attempted with mixed success. Spelling and word choice errors do not impede communication. This performance fits the Band 6.0 descriptor well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The student employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses ('namely the United Kingdom...') and time clauses ('over the period from 1967 to 2007'). There is a good control of grammar and punctuation, with many error-free sentences, such as 'The line graph illustrates changes in the average carbon dioxide emissions per person...' Grammatical accuracy is generally high, and errors do not impede communication. This demonstrates solid control that meets the requirements for Band 7.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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