Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the average amount of carbon dioxide emissions per person in different countries which are the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from the year 1967 to 2007.

Overall, the United Kingdom and Sweden both reduced their average numbers. However, the United Kingdom maintained the highest emissions among all while Sweden experienced a drastic decrease in numbers. In contrast, Portugal accounted for a dramatic increase in numbers and reached the same levels with Sweden.

In 1976, the average carbon dioxide emissions per person were about 11 tonnes in the United Kingdom, which declined to around 8.5 tonnes. Moreover, in Sweden the average figures were approximately 8.5 tonnes in 1967 and then slightly rose to near 11 tonnes in 1977 and then 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 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by selecting and reporting the main features of the line graph. An overview is provided, highlighting the general downward trend in the UK and Sweden, and the increases in Italy and Portugal. Key data points are cited to support the comparisons, such as the UK starting around 11 tonnes and ending around 8.5 tonnes, and Portugal reaching the same level as Sweden by the end of the period. However, there is a minor chronological slip in the body paragraph where the student writes 'In 1976' instead of 'In 1967'. Despite this small error, the selection of data is accurate and well-integrated into a clear comparative summary that meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The text is divided into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs that detail specific country trends. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'In contrast', 'Moreover', and 'In addition' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific data figures. While referencing and linking words are generally managed well, occasional slightly mechanical transitions prevent the response from achieving a higher band in this criterion, placing it comfortably at a band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items and phrases are attempted with varying success, such as 'drastic decrease', 'dramatic increase', and 'moderately increased'. There are some minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'reached the same levels with Sweden' instead of 'reached the same level as Sweden', and a slight slip in the date reference. However, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the trends and comparisons clearly, and the spelling is accurate throughout the 160-word response. These minor issues align well with the descriptors for Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a reasonable command of grammar. Structures such as 'The line graph illustrates...' and 'while Sweden experienced a drastic decrease...' show an ability to combine clauses effectively. There are some minor grammatical errors and awkward prepositions, such as 'reached the same levels with Sweden' and the inaccurate date 'In 1976' (referring to the starting point of 1967). Nevertheless, these errors do not impede communication, and the majority of sentences remain clear and comprehensible, supporting a solid Band 6 score for grammatical range and accuracy.

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