Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-15

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 illustrates the average carbon dioxide emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Portugal between 1967 and 2007. Overall, the UK had the highest carbon dioxide emission throughout the period, although it's figures gradually declined. In contrast, emission in Italy and Portugal increased over time. However, Sweden moreover experienced a significant decrease after reaching its peak in 1977. On the other hand, in 1967, the UK produced approximately 11 metric tonnes of CO2 per person, making it the highest among the four countries. The figures remained fairly stable until 1977 before gradually failing to around 8.5 tonnes in 2007. Swedenstarted at about 8.5 tonnes and increased to just over 10 tonnesin 1977. However, its emissions then dropped considerably, reaching approximately 5 tonnes by the end of the period. Portugal had the lowest emissions at the begnning at only about 1 tonne per person. However, its figure increased graadually to around 3 tonnes in 1987 and then rose more sharply to approximately 5 tonnes in 1997. By 2007, it had reached a similar level to Sweden.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You give a relevant overview: the UK remains the highest, its emissions decline, and Italy and Portugal rise, while Sweden falls after its 1977 peak. The figures for the UK, Sweden and Portugal are broadly consistent with the graph. However, the account is incomplete because Italy’s data are not reported at all, despite its steady rise from about 4 tonnes to around 7.5 tonnes and its position above Sweden and Portugal by the end. This omission leaves an important trend and comparison uncovered. To strengthen the response, include Italy and make the key end-point comparison clear: the UK is still highest, Italy is second, and Sweden and Portugal finish at similar levels.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable sequence, beginning with an introduction and overview before moving to country details, and the time references help the reader follow the trends. However, the progression is weakened by abrupt or awkward links, such as “However, Sweden moreover” and “On the other hand” before the UK’s starting figure, where no clear contrast is being made. The country-by-country account also omits Italy, so the comparison feels incomplete. Grouping the declining series (the UK and Sweden) separately from the rising series (Italy and Portugal), with a clear paragraph for each group, would create a more logical progression. Use linking expressions only when they express the relationship between the ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary, including “emissions,” “gradually declined,” “peak,” and “dropped considerably,” and the meaning is generally clear. There is some repetition of “figure” and “increased,” and a few choices are inaccurate or awkward: “gradually failing” does not describe a downward trend appropriately, while “emission” is used where the plural or a more natural phrase is needed. Spelling slips such as “begnning,” “graadually,” and the joined forms “Swedenstarted” and “tonnesin” also reduce accuracy. Aim for precise, natural collocations and proofread carefully; for example, use “fell gradually” and “per-person emissions.” Include a wider range of accurate trend language when describing each country.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of sentence forms, including a complex overview sentence with “although” and a time clause beginning “before.” Most of the trends remain understandable, but errors in sentence construction and punctuation are noticeable. For example, “although it's figures” uses an incorrect possessive form, and “Sweden moreover experienced” is not well integrated into the sentence. The phrase “Portugal had the lowest emissions at the begnning at only about 1 tonne” also has an awkward repeated structure. Check possessives, sentence boundaries and the placement of linking adverbs, and vary your structures while keeping them controlled. These improvements would make the comparisons easier to read.

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