Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-29
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 graph demonstrates the percentile of population in four different Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) from past (1970) to future years (2040).
As line graph clearly indicates the drastically increased in the percentage of total population in 2 countries without going down as compared to Malaysia and Indonesia.
In 1970, Malaysia and Indonesia are the only two countries where the number of population has been started up slightly while from 1990, it had been dramatically rose till future year 2040 by 80%. However, between 1980 and 2000, population percentage remained same while Malaysia stayed on top with 60% and Indonesia with 25% population.
On the other hand, Philippines and Thailand population depicts the similar fluctuations of number of population, started from 1970 to future year. Additionally, both countries seems to be increased in 2040, by only 5% difference in regards of population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you identify the four countries and the time frame, the summary of main features is underdeveloped. You struggle to accurately describe the trends; for instance, stating that the population 'remained same' between 1980 and 2000 is factually incorrect based on typical graph data. The comparison between countries is vague, and the description of the data lacks the precision required for an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, ensure you clearly highlight the starting and ending points for all countries and identify the most significant trends (e.g., which country grew the fastest) rather than providing a fragmented list of observations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as 'As line graph clearly indicates the drastically increased', which is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the flow. Referencing is also unclear; for example, the phrase 'in 2 countries without going down' is ambiguous as it does not specify which countries are being discussed. The progression of ideas is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the four nations. Improving the use of linking words like 'whereas', 'in contrast', and 'subsequently' would help create a more coherent structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary range is limited and often inaccurate. You use 'percentile' when you mean 'percentage', and 'number of population' is an awkward collocation; 'proportion of the population' or 'urbanization rate' would be more appropriate. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'started up slightly' and 'dramatically rose', which do not accurately convey the trends shown in the graph. The vocabulary is repetitive, and the lack of precision in describing statistical changes prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuate', 'plateau', 'climb', and 'gradual increase'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
There are frequent grammatical errors that impede communication. You struggle with verb tenses, such as 'had been dramatically rose' (incorrect passive/active construction) and 'both countries seems to be increased' (subject-verb agreement error). Sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complexity. Punctuation is also inconsistent, and there are missing articles throughout the text. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and the correct use of past and future tenses when describing data. Reviewing the difference between active and passive voice will also help you describe the graph more professionally.
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