Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-11

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)

introduction:

the provided Line Graph illustates fluctuation in average carbon dioxide emissions throughout 1967 to 2007 concentrating in four sector it is structured to display.how the data evolved chronologically.

Overview:

Broadly speaking the united kingdom and Swedon followed a distinct downword trajectory where as italy and portugal headed in the reverse direction.the most striking pattern is that while emission in the UK and swedon dropped significantly Over time,Italy and portugal experienced steady increases,converging near the same levels by 2007

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the broad contrast accurately: emissions fell in the UK and Sweden, rose in Italy and Portugal, and Italy and Portugal reached similar levels by 2007. However, the response only gives an introduction and overview; it does not report specific figures or describe key stages, such as Sweden’s peak in 1977 or Italy’s rise to a plateau. The task is therefore addressed only minimally, with the main trends stated but not supported or developed. The response also falls 71 words short of the required minimum, leaving too little detail to summarise the graph adequately. Add a body paragraph with selected figures and comparisons, while keeping the overview focused on the main patterns.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction followed by an overview, and the ideas within the overview follow a sensible contrast between the two declining and two rising series. This gives the reader a basic route through the information. However, there is no further progression into detailed comparisons, so the organisation remains incomplete. The linking phrase “Broadly speaking” helps signal the overview, but “where as” is not used cleanly, and the final comparison is crowded into one long sentence. Develop the response with separate body paragraphs—for example, one for the UK and Sweden and another for Italy and Portugal—and use clear links to show changes over time.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “trajectory,” “emissions,” “steady increases,” and “converging,” which helps communicate the overall patterns. There is also an attempt to vary wording rather than repeat “went up” and “went down.” However, several choices are inaccurate or awkward: “fluctuation” suggests repeated changes, although the UK mainly declines, and “four sector” does not describe the four countries. Spelling and capitalisation errors, including “illustates,” “Swedon,” and inconsistent use of “united kingdom,” also reduce control. Aim for precise chart language and proofread country names and key terms; for example, use “countries” and “overall trends.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a complex overview sentence using a contrast between the countries, and the main message remains understandable. However, the range is limited, and the longer sentence is not controlled consistently. In “where as italy and portugal headed in the reverse direction.the most striking pattern is that while…,” the clauses run together without appropriate punctuation, and the contrast structure is difficult to follow. The introduction also has an incomplete or awkward construction in “concentrating in four sector it is structured to display.” Use complete, clearly punctuated sentences, and check articles, plurals, and agreement—for instance, “four countries” rather than “four sector.” Shorter sentences can help you report the data accurately before attempting more complex comparisons.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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