Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 given line graph depicts the total average of carbon dioxide released by each person such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal from 1967 to 2007.

Overall, it is clear that the graph describes the emission of carbon gas over the 40 years period. In the graph UK shows the highest ratio in the beginning, while Portugal shows the least amount in the start. In addition, at the end of the period Portugal and Sweden shares the same lowest value.

First of all graph represent various countries in term of carbon dioxide emission, and in those countries UK displays the highest value at the beginning of the graph between 1967 and 1977 about 11 metric tonnes of emission of such gas however, the line drop significantly from 1977 to 2007 about 9 metric tonnes. Secondly, Sweden starts with significant growth from 1967 to 1977 which is 10 metric tonnes moreover, the line drop rapidly

between 1977 and 2007 and ended up with 5 metric tonnes. Thirdly, Italy rose significantly from 1967 to 1997 approximately 8 metric tonnes moreover, it remains stabled from 1997 to 2007. At last, Portugal starts with the least amount in the graph but, it rose sharply from 1967 to 1997 which is about 5 unit, also it remain stable. Additionally, at the end of the graph Sweden and Portugal shares the lowest values together about 5 units.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover all four countries and identify the main broad patterns: the UK remains highest, Portugal begins lowest, Sweden rises before declining, and Italy increases before levelling off. The overview also correctly notes that Sweden and Portugal finish at roughly the same level. Most reported figures are broadly consistent with the graph. However, some comparisons are imprecise: the UK falls to about 9 tonnes, not 9 exactly, and Italy and Portugal are both stable from 1997 to 2007, rather than only Portugal being described as stable. The overview could be more informative by noting that Italy overtakes Sweden and finishes second, while the UK and Sweden decline overall. These omissions and unevenly developed details limit the completeness of the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, an overview and a country-by-country account, so the reader can follow the general organisation. However, progression within the body is somewhat mechanical: “First of all,” “Secondly,” “Thirdly” and “At last” list countries rather than showing the most useful comparisons. Several linking words are also awkward or overused, especially repeated “moreover” and “Additionally.” The final sentence repeats the overview’s point about Sweden and Portugal sharing the lowest ending values. Grouping the declining countries together and the rising countries together would create clearer comparisons and reduce repetition. More precise referencing between sentences would also help the account flow naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “emission,” “metric tonnes,” “rose” and “drop,” and the meaning is generally understandable. However, several word choices and collocations are unnatural or imprecise for describing a graph. “Total average” does not accurately describe per-person emissions, “carbon gas” is less precise than “carbon dioxide,” and “highest ratio” should be a measure such as “highest level.” There is also repetition of “amount,” “line” and “graph,” while phrases such as “rose sharply” overstate Portugal’s steady increase. Aim for accurate trend language and vary it with terms such as “declined,” “climbed,” “peaked” and “remained stable.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and more complex sentences, including clauses linked with “while” and “which,” and the main trends can usually be understood. Some errors in agreement, verb forms, articles and sentence boundaries remain. For example, “Portugal and Sweden shares” should be “share,” and “it remain stable” should be “it remained stable.” The phrase “over the 40 years period” needs a possessive form (“40-year period”), while “First of all graph represent” is missing an article and has incorrect subject–verb agreement. Several long sentences joined with “however” or “moreover” need clearer punctuation or restructuring. Check agreement and past-tense consistency, and separate contrasting ideas into well-punctuated sentences.

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