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 namely the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from the year 1967 to 2007.

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

In 1967, 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 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main trends and making relevant comparisons across the four countries over the 40-year period. The overview effectively captures the overall trajectory, noting that the UK and Sweden reduced their emissions while Portugal experienced a dramatic increase. Key data points are accurately cited, such as the UK starting at around 11 tonnes and declining to 8.5 tonnes, and Portugal rising from 1 tonne to 5.5 tonnes. The selection of data is well-judged, providing a clear and comprehensive summary without getting bogged down in unnecessary figures. The requirements of Task 1 are fully met with a well-developed response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an appropriate introductory sentence, follows with a clear overview paragraph, and then breaks down the body details into logical groupings. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'However', 'In contrast', and 'In addition' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data comparisons. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, separating the introduction, overview, and body details logically. Although referencing and cohesion are generally well managed, slightly more variation in cohesive devices could elevate the text further, but overall the logical flow is clear and effective.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task type, incorporating functional reporting language such as 'illustrates', 'average amount', 'declined', 'sharply dropped', and 'moderately increased'. There are also successful attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'drastic decrease' and 'dramatic increase'. Word choice is generally precise, and collocation is natural. While there are no severe lexical errors that impede communication, the vocabulary is slightly standard in places, which keeps the lexical score within the Band 6.5 to 7 range. Overall, the vocabulary effectively conveys the trends shown in the graph.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using relative clauses ('namely the United Kingdom...') and subordinate clauses ('while Sweden experienced...'). Grammatical control is generally strong, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor slips occur, such as the missing preposition or article in 'Italy was around 4.25 tonnes' (referring to the country rather than its emissions level) and a run-on structure in '...in 1977 and then sharply dropped', but these errors do not impede communication. Punctuation is mostly accurate, and the grammatical range is sufficient for a solid Band 6.5 or 7.

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