Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-08

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 5.5)

The line graph shows average of carbon dioxide emission per person in different countries. The data provide information about The united kingdom, Sweden, Italy, Portugal between 1967 and 2007 around 31 years.

In, The united kingdom and Sweden average carbon dioxide emission highest in 1967 at 9 and 11 per person in metric tonnes. After then this emission decrease every year. In, last year 2007 CO2 emission nearly lower at 9 and 5 per person in metric tonnes.

However, in Italy and Portugal average carbon dioxide emission lowest in 1967 at 1 and 3 per person in metric tonnes. After then this emission increase rapidly every. In last year 2007 CO2 emission almost double at 5 and 7 up per person in metric tonnes.

It is clear that, In two countries The united kingdom, Sweden decrease their carbon dioxide emission per person every year. In contrast two conutries Italy and Portugal increase their carbon dioxide emission per person every year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the four countries and the overall contrast between falling emissions in the UK and Sweden and rising emissions in Italy and Portugal. However, the account is only partly accurate and the main features are under-developed. The opening figures are reversed or misreported: in 1967 the UK was about 11 tonnes and Sweden about 9, while Italy was about 4 and Portugal about 1—not 1 and 3 as stated for the latter pair. The claim that emissions changed “every year” is also too absolute: Italy levelled off from 1997 to 2007, and the graph gives five-yearly points, not annual data. Include a clearer overview and accurate comparisons, such as the UK remaining highest and Italy overtaking Sweden.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, two paragraphs grouping countries by trend, and a concluding summary. The contrast signalled by “However” and “In contrast” helps the reader follow the broad organisation. This coherent arrangement supports the main message, although the conclusion largely repeats the preceding paragraph rather than adding a useful synthesis. Cohesion is sometimes mechanical, with repeated phrases such as “average carbon dioxide emission per person” and repeated “In last year.” Some references, including “this emission,” are not fully clear because they refer to two countries at once. Use more varied linking and concise references, and organise the details so that the key comparisons progress clearly from the overview to supporting data.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “carbon dioxide emission,” “per person,” “metric tonnes,” “decrease,” and “increase,” so the subject remains understandable. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are noticeably inaccurate, which makes parts of the report awkward. For example, “average of carbon dioxide emission” and “emission almost double at 5 and 7 up” do not express the data naturally; “emissions per person” and “rose to approximately 5 and 8 tonnes” would be clearer. There are also spelling and capitalisation slips, such as “conutries” and inconsistent “The united kingdom.” Build a more precise set of trend verbs and comparison phrases, and check spelling and standard country names.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

Your sentences communicate the broad trends, and you attempt some longer structures, such as “It is clear that…” followed by a contrast. However, the range is limited, and errors in sentence formation, agreement, articles, and punctuation occur often enough to make the report awkward. Examples include “In, The united kingdom and Sweden average… highest,” which lacks a clear verb structure, and “After then this emission decrease,” where the tense and agreement are incorrect. “In last year 2007” also shows problems with article use and phrasing within the sentence. Practise accurate past-tense reporting, for example, “emissions fell,” and use complete comparative sentences. Avoid inserting commas after introductory “In” and check that each sentence has a clear subject and verb.

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