IELTS line graph and model answer, academic writing task 1 - Free Printable

Task: Summarise the information in the graph and make comparisons where relevant.

#### Graph Description:
The graph illustrates the average carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per person in four countries—United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, and Portugal—over a period from 1967 to 2007. The emissions are measured in metric tonnes.

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Main Features and Observations:

1. Initial Emissions Levels (1967):
- The United Kingdom and Sweden started with the highest emissions, around 10 metric tonnes per person.
- Italy had slightly lower emissions, around 5 metric tonnes per person.
- Portugal had the lowest emissions, starting at approximately 2 metric tonnes per person.

2. Trends Over Time:
- United Kingdom:
- Emissions peaked around 1977 at about 11 metric tonnes per person.
- There was a gradual decline after 1977, reaching roughly 8 metric tonnes per person by 2007.
- Sweden:
- Similar to the United Kingdom, emissions peaked around 1977 at about 11 metric tonnes per person.
- After 1977, there was a steady decline, ending at approximately 8 metric tonnes per person by 2007.
- Italy:
- Emissions showed a consistent increase until around 1987, reaching about 6 metric tonnes per person.
- After 1987, emissions plateaued and remained relatively stable, hovering around 7 metric tonnes per person by 2007.
- Portugal:
- Emissions showed a steady increase throughout the entire period.
- Starting at 2 metric tonnes per person in 1967, emissions reached approximately 5 metric tonnes per person by 2007.

3. Comparisons:
- United Kingdom vs. Sweden: Both countries exhibited similar trends, with peak emissions occurring around 1977 and a subsequent decline. By 2007, their emissions were nearly identical.
- Italy vs. United Kingdom/Sweden: Italy's emissions were consistently lower than those of the United Kingdom and Sweden throughout the period. While the United Kingdom and Sweden experienced declines after peaking, Italy's emissions stabilized after 1987.
- Portugal vs. Other Countries: Portugal started with the lowest emissions but showed the most significant growth over the period. By 2007, its emissions were still lower than those of the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy but had increased substantially.

4. Overall Pattern:
- The United Kingdom and Sweden demonstrated a pattern of initial high emissions followed by a decline.
- Italy showed moderate growth that eventually stabilized.
- Portugal exhibited consistent growth, although it remained the lowest emitter overall.

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Conclusion:

The graph highlights varying patterns of CO₂ emissions across the four countries. While the United Kingdom and Sweden began with high emissions and saw declines after peaking, Italy maintained moderate levels with stabilization. Portugal, starting with the lowest emissions, showed consistent growth but remained below the other three countries by 2007. These trends suggest differing approaches to energy use and environmental policies among the nations over the four-decade period.

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Word Count: 198

Final Answer: \boxed{\text{See explanation above}}