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 graph illustrates average carbon dioxide emissions per person in four different countries from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, it is evident that united kingdom accounted for the highest number, whereas Sweden's percentage declined dramatically. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide emissions in Italy and Portugal kept on increasing.

In 1967, the average emission of carbon dioxide in United kingdom steadily increased approximately 11, however it decreased slightly in coming years. Still it remained at highest number as compared to other cities. In contrast, in 1967, the percentage of carbon emission in Sweden increased sharply but it dropped dramatically from 1977 to 2007 at 6 metric tonnes.

Furthermore, in italy and portugal the ratio of carbon dioxide also increased. In 1967, in Italy the numbers started from 4 and reached upto 6 in 1977 and in 2007, it stopped at 7. Moreover, the Portugal's co2 emission also kept on increasing. In 1967, it was at 1 and in 2007 it was around 5.

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 several inaccurate data points and misinterpretations. For instance, the text states that in 1967 the average emission in the UK 'steadily increased approximately 11, however it decreased slightly', whereas the graph actually shows a steady decline from 10.8 downwards. Similarly, referring to countries as 'cities' is factually incorrect. The overview captures some broad trends (such as the UK being highest and Sweden declining), but the lack of precision in describing the trajectories keeps this criterion at Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is organized into four paragraphs, including a brief introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs for the countries. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Meanwhile', 'In contrast', and 'Furthermore' are used to structure the text, though some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Logical progression is generally maintained, but referencing is sometimes imprecise, such as using 'it' ambiguously when discussing emissions versus countries. Paragraphing is adequate, but the overall flow could be smoother. These features align well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'average carbon dioxide emissions', 'declined dramatically', and 'metric tonnes'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies, such as referring to countries as 'cities' ('compared to other cities') and misuse of words like 'ratio' instead of 'level' or 'amount' ('the ratio of carbon dioxide also increased'). Capitalization errors ('united kingdom', 'italy', 'portugal') also detract from the quality. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the message, but these flaws restrict the score to Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, using subordinating conjunctions and introductory prepositional phrases. However, grammatical control is inconsistent. There are punctuation and preposition errors, such as 'increased approximately 11, however it decreased' (comma splice) and 'in italy and portugal the ratio...'. Capitalization is frequently neglected for proper nouns at the beginning of sentences or country names. While communication is not severely impeded, the frequency of basic grammatical and punctuation errors places this response firmly at Band 5.5.

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