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 was recorded 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 | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student successfully covers all four countries and spans the entire timeframe from 1967 to 2007, presenting a clear overview of the main trends. The highest and lowest emissions are identified, and appropriate comparisons are made between the countries. However, there are a couple of inaccuracies regarding the data points in the body paragraphs: for instance, the UK in 1967 started at roughly 10.8 tonnes, but the student states it declined to 'roughly 7 tonnes by the end of the period' when the graph shows it fell to 8.7 tonnes. Similarly, Sweden's starting point is misread slightly. Despite these data misinterpretations, the response satisfies the core requirements of Task 1 by outlining overall trends and selecting key features.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response is arranged logically with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and detailed body paragraphs that group the countries effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Thereafter', and 'Moreover' are employed to guide the reader through the data, although some transitional phrasing feels slightly repetitive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in structuring the information. Overall cohesion is satisfactory and maintains a clear progression of ideas from start to finish.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing graphical data, including terms such as 'illustrates', 'exhibited contrasting trends', 'progressively', and 'comparatively stable'. There are some attempts at less common lexical items, but word choice is occasionally imprecise, such as misinterpreting the exact values on the chart, leading to factual errors rather than lexical errors per se. Spelling is accurate throughout, and while the range is somewhat limited, it is sufficient to communicate the main features of the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory subordinate clauses ('As the line graph illustrates...') and relative or participial modifications. Grammatical accuracy is reasonably high; simple sentences are generally error-free, and complex constructions are attempted with a fair degree of success. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and items in a list. While minor slips occur, they do not impede communication, demonstrating control over the basic and moderately complex grammatical forms employed.
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.