Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-05

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

 

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The line graph shows the proportion of people who are living in four Asian countries such as Phillippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, and it also predicted population for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population of Malaysia are seen increasing in every year, whereas the population of Thailand are seen less increase among the other countries.

The population of Malaysia was 30% in 1970 and it was gradually increase over the year and reach top at around 70% in 2020. Moreover, it is predicted that it will be around 75% and 80% in 2030 and 2040 repectively. The population of Phillippines was a slight up to 30% in 1970, and increased to around 50% in 1990. In addition, it decreased to 40% in 2010. Moreover, it is predicted that it will be around 47% and 50% in 2030 and 2040 repectively. The population of Thailand was less than 20% in 1970 and it was gradually increase with a slight decrease in 2010 and 2020. Furthermore, it is predicted that it will be around 35% and 50% in 2030 and 2040 repectively. The population of Indonesia was around 15% in 1970 and it was gradually increase over the year and reach at around 50% in 2020. Moreover, it is predicted that it will be around 57% and 60% in 2030 and 2040 repectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You cover all four countries and include a clear general observation that Malaysia rises throughout, while also reporting the main direction of change for each series. Several figures are broadly close to the graph, and you note the forecasts. However, the overview is incomplete: it does not identify Indonesia’s strong rise or compare the countries’ relative positions by the end. Some details are inaccurate or imprecise: Malaysia is about 76% in 2020, not 70%; the Philippines is about 45.5% in 2010, not 40%; and Thailand does not decrease in 2010 or 2020. The Philippines also rises to about 48% in 1990, then falls before recovering. Select the most important comparisons and report the trends more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a body that discusses each country. This makes the information generally easy to follow. However, the body reads as four similar, separate accounts rather than a connected comparison, and repeated transitions such as “Moreover” and “Furthermore” make the linking mechanical. The overview also gives only two broad points, so it does not guide the reader through the most significant contrasts, particularly Indonesia’s rapid growth and Malaysia’s leading position. Grouping countries by pattern or comparing their figures at key dates would create clearer progression. Use a wider range of links, and make sure each paragraph develops a distinct comparison rather than repeating the same reporting sequence.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for describing a line graph, including “proportion,” “increased,” “decreased,” and “predicted,” so the main trends are usually understandable. However, the range is limited and several phrases are unnatural or imprecise, such as “the population … are seen increasing,” “was a slight up,” and “reach top.” These choices make the description less clear and less suitable for formal data reporting. There are also spelling errors in “Phillippines” and “repectively.” Aim for precise trend language and vary the verbs and nouns used to describe change, while checking country names and common reporting expressions carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the reader can generally understand the intended comparisons. However, errors recur in verb forms and subject–verb agreement. For example, “the population of Malaysia are seen increasing” should use a singular verb, while “it was gradually increase” needs a past-tense form such as “increased” or “was gradually increasing.” The phrase “reach top” also lacks a correctly formed verb construction. These patterns occur across the country descriptions, limiting accuracy. Practise forming past-tense trend sentences and future predictions consistently, and check agreement when the subject is “the population.” More accurate control of these basic structures would make your range of sentences more effective.

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

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