This IELTS line graph sample answer is about the CO2 emissions of four countries over several decades.
It’s always important to spend a few minutes thinking about how best to organize and present your answer.
With line graphs, look for similarities and differences with the trends (lines) presented. You may find you can then link patterns together in paragraphs to make your answer logical and organized.
Take a look at the IELTS sample line graph and see how it has been organized. How have things been grouped together?
Line Graph with 4 Lines
| You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The graph below shows average carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions per person in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal between 1967 and 2007. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words. |
Model Answer
The chart presents the average CO2 emissions per person in four European nations from 1967 to 2007.
Overall, average CO2 emissions of individuals in the UK and Sweden generally dropped, whereas emissions per person in Italy and Portugal rose significantly. Despite the steady reduction, average emissions in the UK were the highest in the given period.
Among the selected countries, the CO2 emissions per person in the UK were the highest throughout the four decades, yet said emissions were on the decline. In 1967, the average emissions per person were nearly 11 metric tonnes. But by 2007, that had fallen to roughly 9 metric tonnes. Somewhat similarly, the average CO2 emissions in Sweden were almost 9 metric tonnes per person in 1967. The emissions spiked, however, to nearly 11 metric tonnes in 1977 though from there, emissions continuously fell, dropping to just 5.5 metric tonnes in 2007.
Conversely, both Italy’s and Portugal’s carbon dioxide emissions per person increased between 1967 and 2007. Italy’s CO2 emissions nearly doubled, starting at just above 4 metric tonnes in 1967 and ending at almost 8 metric tonnes four decades later. Portugal’s CO2 emissions, however, nearly quadrupled. The per capita average in 1967 was just 1.5 metric tonnes. But in 2007, the emissions had reached 5.5 metric tonnes, matching Sweden’s average.
(218 Words)
Comment About The Task
Task Achievement: Band 8
- The response provides a clear, well-rounded summary of the key trends in CO2 emissions across the four countries, noting both the declines in the UK and Sweden and the increases in Italy and Portugal.
- Specific data points are included to support the analysis, showing a strong understanding of the task.
- The comparison of emissions in 2007 (Portugal matching Sweden) is a well-drawn conclusion, but the phrase “despite the steady reduction” could benefit from clarification to ensure full accuracy (i.e., Sweden saw a temporary spike).
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
- The response is well-organized, with clear sections detailing the trends in the UK and Sweden, followed by a contrasting section on Italy and Portugal.
- Linking devices such as “conversely,” “yet,” and “however” are used effectively to show relationships between data points.
- Cohesion could be improved slightly by introducing a more explicit comparison between Italy and Portugal, as their trends are described together but without a direct link.
Lexical Resource: Band 7
- The vocabulary is appropriate and varied, with phrases such as “steadily declined,” “spiked,” “continuously fell,” and “nearly doubled.”
- There is some repetition of terms like “emissions” and “metric tonnes,” which could be diversified to include synonyms or alternative phrasings (e.g., “levels of CO2”).
- Overall, the lexical range is good, but more variety would enhance the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
- A wide range of grammatical structures is used accurately, including complex sentences (“The emissions spiked, however, to nearly 11 metric tonnes in 1977 though from there, emissions continuously fell…”).
- There are no significant grammatical errors, and sentence structures are varied and appropriate for the task.
- Minor variations in sentence length or structure could push the score higher.
Overall Band: 7.5-8
This is a strong response with clear, detailed analysis and well-structured grammar and vocabulary. Slight improvements in lexical variety and explicit comparison between Italy and Portugal could enhance the overall score.
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