Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-30

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 average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the four countries-United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in United Kingdom experienced downward trend, while the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in Italy and Portugal experienced upward trend. Sweden fluctuated throughout the period.

In 1967, the figure for United Kingdom was the highest, at around 11 metric tonnes per person. This number stayed relatively stable before declining slightly to 10 metric tonnes in 1987 and then declined noticeably to approximately 9 metric tonnes in 2007, while the figure for Sweden increased significantly from 8.5 metric tonnes to 10.2 metric tonnes in a decade before declining to approximately 7 metric tonnes in 1987 and then steadily declined to 5.5 metric tonnes by the end of the period. By contrast, United Kingdom remained the highest even though it decreased throughout the period.

In 1967, Portugal had the lowest figure, at approximately 1 metric tonnes before increasing steadily around 3 metric tonnes in 1987 and then increased moderately to approximately 5 metric tonnes. Similarly, Italy followed the same pattern, increased rapidly from around 4 metric tonnes to approximately 6 metric tonnes in 1987 and then increased moderately to approximately 7.8 metric tonnes. In contrast, Italy went from having third highest figure to the second-highest figure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all four countries and spans the entire timeframe from 1967 to 2007, satisfying the core requirements of Task 1. An overview is provided, noting the main overall trends for the UK, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden. The key features and major comparisons are highlighted, such as the UK starting and ending as the highest emitter despite its downward trend, and Portugal rising from the lowest position. However, some minor data inaccuracies are present, such as stating Portugal reached '3 metric tonnes in 1987' when the chart shows approximately 3.3, and minor rounding variations. Nonetheless, the task is well-addressed and the main features are clearly reported, aligning closely with Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response exhibits a clear logical progression and is organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs addressing specific groups of countries. Cohesive devices are used to link ideas, such as 'Overall,' 'In 1967,' 'while,' and 'By contrast.' Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different sections of the analysis. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive in their structure (e.g., repeatedly starting sentences with 'In 1967, ...'), and referencing is occasionally slightly cumbersome, preventing the response from reaching Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and flexible range of vocabulary suited to describing trends and graphical data, utilizing terms such as 'downward trend,' 'upward trend,' 'fluctuated,' 'declining slightly,' and 'increased significantly.' There are occasional minor lexical or grammatical collocation slips, such as 'at approximately 1 metric tonnes' (instead of 'tonne') and 'increasing steadily around 3 metric tonnes.' Despite these minor flaws, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey precision and meaning clearly, fitting the Band 6 descriptor well with some touches of Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses, contrasting conjunctions ('while,' 'although,' 'By contrast'), and multi-clause sentences. There are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues present, particularly missing articles ('in United Kingdom' instead of 'in the United Kingdom'), preposition errors ('around 3 metric tonnes' instead of 'to around 3 metric tonnes'), and run-on sentences joined loosely with coordinating conjunctions ('...and then increased moderately to approximately 5 metric tonnes. Similarly, Italy followed the same pattern, increased rapidly...'). These errors do not impede communication, placing the response securely at Band 6.

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