Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-04
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 displays information about the percentage of the population residing in cities across four different countries between 1970 and 2020, and projection of 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it can be seen that the proportion of the population increased across four countries. Malaysia been most populated from 2000 onwards. While, Indonesia experienced a fastest growth. In contrast, percentage of the Phillippines rose for short period but declined further and is expected to recover in future.
In 1970, proportion of the population in Malaysia was 30% which rose to around 75% in 2020. It is also expected to cross the mark of 80% in 2040. While, looking to percentage of the Phillippines. It started with the highest proportion at above 30% in 1970, rose to around 50% in 1990. It then decreased to almost 40% in 2010. It is predicted to recover to around 49% in 2030 and 53% in 2040.
On the other hand, population of the Thailand, which experienced a slowly but steady increase, rise from almost 19% in 1970 to 29% in 1990 and remained stable till 2020. It is projected to peaked just below 50% in 2040. However, Indonesia started at the least population, rose from almost 15% in 1970 to conclude at around 50% in 2020, and is forecast to reach a mark of 60% in 2040.
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 covers all parts of the task, providing an overview and reporting on the main trends for all four countries. You successfully identified the key features, such as Malaysia's dominance and Indonesia's rapid growth. However, the overview is slightly hampered by minor inaccuracies; for instance, stating the Philippines 'declined further' is a bit vague, and the claim that Malaysia has been the 'most populated' is technically incorrect as the graph shows the percentage of the population living in cities, not the total population size. To reach a higher band, ensure you distinguish between 'urban population percentage' and 'total population' and refine the overview to be more precise regarding the data trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group the countries. You use some cohesive devices like 'In contrast', 'On the other hand', and 'However' to signal shifts in focus. However, there are some mechanical issues with referencing and sentence structure, such as the sentence fragment 'While, looking to percentage of the Phillippines.' Additionally, the use of 'While' at the start of sentences is sometimes grammatically awkward. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that cohesive devices are used to connect ideas more naturally would enhance the coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'residing', 'projection', and 'forecast'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'most populated' instead of 'highest urbanisation rate' and 'at the least population' instead of 'the lowest percentage'. You also have some minor spelling or grammatical slips, such as 'Phillippines' (should be Philippines). To improve, try to use more precise academic collocations and ensure you are describing the data accurately rather than using general terms that might be misinterpreted.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles (e.g., 'the Thailand', 'the Phillippines') and verb forms (e.g., 'Malaysia been most populated', 'is projected to peaked'). These errors are noticeable but do not generally impede communication. To move to a higher band, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles with geographical names. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy will also help improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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