Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The following diagram illustrates the growth rate of population in four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020. It also shows projection for 2030 and 2040. There is comparison among Philippines. Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia where countries are mentioned in x-axis while percentages are mentioned on y-axis.
It can be clearly seen that from the starting point Philippines and Malaysia were leading countries in population till 2010. They were also interchanging their positions between 1970 to 1990. After that Malaysia became 1st leading country after a sharp increase in its population. And it is predicted that it will maintain its 1st position till 2040.
On the other hand Indonesia which had lowest growth rate till 2000 but in same time line Thailand took its place and will maintain its position till 2040. Further more Indonesia gradually increased and it is assumed it will be at the 2nd highest position in 2040 in growth rate. Lastly, Malaysia declined in 2010 and became 3rd growing country in the mentioned list.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0
The response identifies some broad patterns, including Malaysia’s rise and Indonesia’s increase, but it does not accurately summarise the graph’s main features. It calls the figures a “growth rate” and repeatedly discusses population growth rather than the percentage living in cities. Several comparisons are incorrect: the Philippines and Malaysia did not interchange positions between 1970 and 1990, and Malaysia did not decline in 2010 or become third; it remained the highest, at about 71%. Thailand was not the lowest after 2000, since Indonesia overtook it around 2010. There is also no clear, accurate overview of the overall trends and final rankings. Select the main changes and report them with correct comparisons and representative figures.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response has a basic sequence, moving from an introduction to comparisons between countries, and signposting such as “On the other hand” and “Lastly” helps show intended relationships. However, the progression is difficult to follow because the comparisons are not consistently organised by time or by country, and some statements contradict one another. For example, Malaysia is described as maintaining first place through 2040, then as declining and becoming third. The opening also spends space describing the axes rather than establishing a clear overview. Use a separate overview paragraph, then group the main trends logically, and ensure each linking phrase connects ideas that are factually consistent.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
There is enough vocabulary to communicate the general subject, and phrases such as “sharp increase,” “gradually increased” and “predicted” show some range. However, word choice is often imprecise or repetitive: “growth rate” is used for the urban-population share, while “population” obscures what the percentages measure. “Leading countries,” “1st leading country” and “2nd highest position in growth rate” are awkward descriptions of rankings. “Interchanging their positions” is also not an accurate or natural way to describe the early figures. Use precise terms such as “urbanisation,” “proportion living in cities,” “highest share” and “overtook,” and vary the language without sacrificing accuracy.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response attempts both simple and more complex sentences, including a relative clause in “Indonesia which had lowest growth rate” and a contrast introduced by “On the other hand.” Meaning is generally recoverable, but errors in sentence construction and grammatical forms are noticeable. For example, “There is comparison among Philippines. Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia” has faulty punctuation and article use, while “Indonesia which had lowest growth rate till 2000 but in same time line Thailand took its place” is an incomplete, difficult-to-process clause. “It is predicted that it will maintain” also leaves the pronoun’s reference less clear than it should be. Practise complete clauses, articles, punctuation and clear pronoun reference, while retaining a mix of sentence patterns.
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