Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-06
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 5.0)
The graph b showed carbon dioxide (CO2) emmissions per person in the United kingdom, sweden, italy and portugal between 1967 and 2007.
Overall, United kingdom and sweden metric tonnes CO2 emmissions decreased, however italy and portual metric tonnes CO2 emissions increased.
To commence with, 1967 to 1977 the united kingdom CO2 emissions remained stable
however between 1987 and 2007 CO2 emissions decreased. In 1967 to 1977 Sweden CO2 emissions grow, but between 1987 and 2007 CO2 emissions downfall.
1967 to 1997 between Italy CO2 emissions metric tonnes rise, moreover between 1977 and 1987 CO2 emissions showed no change, however between 1987 and 2007 CO2 emissions on the peak. Between 1967 and 1987 Portugal CO2 emissions slightly rise, moreover between 1997 and 2007 CO2 emissions stayed the same.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response only partially addresses the task and fails to meet the minimum length requirement, containing 113 words, which is 37 words short of the required 150. While the student attempts to provide an overview and summarize the data for the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal, the information is presented in a limited and underdeveloped manner. Some trends are inaccurately described or overly generalized, and key comparative features from the visual data are missed. To improve, the writer must ensure all minimum word length requirements are met, present a fully developed overview of the main trends without omitting significant data points, and provide accurate, detailed descriptions and comparisons of the figures shown in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response demonstrates some basic organization with an introductory sentence and paragraph breaks, but there is no clear overall progression of ideas throughout the text. Cohesive devices are used mechanically and repetitively, such as the constant reliance on transition words like 'however' and 'moreover' without always creating logical links between sentences. The sequencing of data points lacks a cohesive flow, making the progression difficult to follow at times. To move to a higher band, the writer needs to organize information more logically across paragraphs, use a wider and more accurate range of cohesive devices without overusing them, and ensure that referencing and transitions clearly guide the reader through the comparative trends.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task, with noticeable errors that occasionally hinder communication and a lack of variety. The student repeats basic terms such as 'emissions', 'carbon dioxide', and 'metrics tonnes' frequently, while words like 'portugal', 'sweden', and 'italy' are uncapitalized. There are also awkward word choices and forms, such as 'emmissions', 'grow', and 'downfall', which detract from the formal tone required for an academic report. To achieve a higher score, the writer must expand their lexical range by incorporating precise, task-appropriate vocabulary and synonyms, while paying close attention to correct spelling, capitalization, and word forms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response exhibits a very limited range of sentence structures, relying heavily on simple sentences with frequent grammatical errors that can cause difficulty for the reader. There are issues with tense usage and verb forms, such as 'The graph b showed' instead of 'shows', and 'CO2 emissions grow, but ... emissions downfall' rather than using appropriate past tense verb forms like 'grew' and 'fell'. Additionally, there are punctuation errors, missing articles, and awkward prepositional phrases in grammatical patterns. To improve, the writer should incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with greater accuracy, ensuring proper subject-verb agreement, correct tense consistency, and better control over punctuation and grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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