Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-24

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 chart shows the percentage of population of four different countries who are living in the cities from 1970 to 2020. I also explain the future predictions of this population.

In 1970, 31% population of Philippines were lived in the cities. By 2020, the percentage of population is increasing from 31% to 45%. If I talk about future predictions, then the population will increases up to 55%.

In case of Malaysia, the population who were lived in the cities start increasing from 1970 to 2020. In future predictions, the population will follow the same trend just like in the past.

In Indonesia case, the population gradually start increasing from 1970 to 2020 and in future, this population will increase up to 55%.

In a nutshell, different countries have different ratios about people who were lived in cities. With the passage of time, this ratio will increase to a large extent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the task but lacks the necessary detail to reach a higher band. While you identify the general trend of increasing urban populations, you fail to provide specific data points for Malaysia, Indonesia, or the fourth country (Thailand), which is missing entirely. The task requires a summary of all main features and comparisons; by omitting the fourth country and failing to provide specific figures for the others, the response is under-developed. To improve, ensure you include data for all categories provided in the graph and make explicit comparisons between the countries rather than describing them in isolation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and mechanical. Phrases like 'In case of Malaysia' and 'In Indonesia case' are used formulaically. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed because there is no clear overview or synthesis of the data. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Similarly,' 'Furthermore') to connect your sentences and paragraphs more fluidly, and ensure you include an overview paragraph that highlights the main trends across all countries.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use the same verbs, such as 'increasing' and 'lived'. There is a lack of variety in how you describe trends, which makes the writing feel basic. For example, instead of repeating 'population who were lived in the cities', you could use 'urban dwellers' or 'the proportion of city residents'. To improve, focus on learning synonyms for 'increase' (e.g., 'climb', 'surge', 'rise') and use more precise terminology related to data reporting, such as 'proportion', 'percentage', and 'figures'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Specifically, the use of passive voice is often incorrect, such as 'population... were lived in the cities' (should be 'lived in cities' or 'the population lived in cities'). Additionally, there are tense inconsistencies, such as 'the population will increases' (should be 'will increase'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of tenses when discussing past trends versus future predictions.

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