Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-25

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 the average digits of carbon dioxide emission per person in different countiries which are, United Kingdom, Sweden, Itlay and portugal from year 1967 to 2007.

Overall, the United Kingdom and Sweden both declined their average numbers. However, the United Kingdom maintained higher numbers among all. While, Sweden experienced drastic decrease in numbers. In contrast, Portugal accounted for the dramatic increased numbers and reached to same levels with Sweden.

In 1976, the average carbon dioxide emissions per person was about 11 tonnes in United Kingdom which declined to around 8.5 tonnes. Moreover, in Sweden the round-about numbers were approximately 8.5 tonnes in 1967 and slightly rose to near 11 tonnes in 1977 and sharply dropped to around 5 tonnes.

Italy was around 4.25 tonnes in 1967 and moderately increased to about 6.5 tonnes. In addition, Portugal was about 1 tonne in 1967 and sharply increased to almost 5.5 tonnes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student covers all four countries and provides an overview of the main trends, satisfying the core requirements of Task 1. However, there are some inaccuracies and omissions in the data reporting. For instance, the student states 'In 1976, the average carbon dioxide emissions...' but the graph starts in 1967 and does not have data for 1976. Furthermore, Sweden's starting point is misread slightly, and the description lacks detailed comparative figures for the end of the period. Nevertheless, the main features—such as the UK's downward trend and Portugal's sharp increase—are clearly identified. This performance aligns best with Band 5.5 to 6.0 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is structured into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs detailing the specific countries, providing a coherent overall arrangement. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'While', and 'In contrast' are employed to connect ideas, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used logically to separate the overview from the detailed body data. Referencing is generally clear, though referencing errors in data points slightly disrupt the logical flow. This represents a solid Band 6.0 performance.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student attempts a range of vocabulary suitable for a data task, using terms like 'declined', 'drastic decrease', 'sharply dropped', and 'moderately increased'. However, there are multiple spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'countiries', 'Itlay', 'portugal', 'digits' (used instead of figures or levels), and 'round-about numbers'. The phrase 'dramatic increased numbers' also demonstrates grammatical awkwardness in collocation. These errors do not entirely impede communication, but they restrict the lexical score to Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses ('which are, United Kingdom...') and contrastive structures. However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are errors in prepositions and articles, awkward phrasing ('declined their average numbers'), and incorrect tense usage or time references ('In 1976' when the graph shows 1967). While simple sentences are generally clear, attempts at more complex constructions frequently introduce errors. This fits the Band 5.5 descriptor.

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