Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-10

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 4.0)

The digram illustrate the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities and its from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030and 2040. Overall it is clear that the Malaysia and Indonesia population are increased over the period. However,the Philippines and Thailand was equal in year. In 1970 ,Malaysia population in 30 %and increased 1980 40% population and 1990 in 45% and 2000 total population 60% .The Indonesia population in 1970 14% and increased in 1980 in 15% p

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.5

The response identifies the chart’s subject and attempts an overview, noting that Malaysia and Indonesia increased. However, the overview is incomplete and partly inaccurate: the Philippines also rises overall, while Thailand does not remain equal to another country throughout the period. The report gives only a few early figures for Malaysia and Indonesia, and the final statement is cut off, so it does not cover the later years, forecasts, or the main comparisons among all four countries. The response is also substantially below the required 150 words; the 12 words copied from the prompt are excluded from the count. To improve, provide a complete overview and select key figures that show the contrasting trends, including Malaysia’s strong rise and the Philippines’ fluctuation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: an opening sentence is followed by an overview and then some data. The sequence from the general description to figures is understandable, and “Overall” signals a summary. However, the response ends abruptly after “15% p,” leaving the final idea incomplete, and the body does not develop a clear progression across the four countries or the time period. The repeated use of “and” to connect figures also makes the information difficult to follow. Use separate paragraphs for the overview and grouped comparisons, and connect related data with clear time markers such as “by 1990” and “thereafter.”

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant chart vocabulary, including “percentage,” “population,” “increased,” and “predictions,” so the topic is generally recognisable. However, the range is narrow and several word choices or forms are inaccurate, such as “digram” and “the Malaysia and Indonesia population are increased.” Repeated use of “population” and “increased” also limits precision, while phrases such as “population in 30%” do not express the data naturally. Aim for accurate trend language and collocations, for example “the proportion of people living in cities rose” or “urbanisation increased.” Check spelling and use country names without an article when appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts both a complex opening sentence and simple statements, but grammatical control is inconsistent. For example, “The digram illustrate” has subject–verb disagreement, while “the Malaysia and Indonesia population are increased” has problems with articles, number agreement, and verb form. Several data statements omit necessary grammatical links, as in “Malaysia population in 30% and increased 1980 40%.” Punctuation and spacing are also uneven, and the final sentence fragment is incomplete. These errors make some relationships between figures unclear. Practise complete comparative sentences with accurate past-tense verbs and prepositions, such as “Malaysia’s urban population rose from 30% in 1970 to about 41% in 1980.”

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.