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 chart illustrates the percentage of people living in urban cities from 1970 to 2020, also provide predictions for 2030 and 2040. The data demonstrates in the line chart is about four Asian countries namely Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
Overall, people living in cities increased in all four countries over a period. Malaysia consistently recorded the highest migration to cities while Thailand, despite being with lowest figure experienced the most dramatic growth by the end of the timeframe.
In 1970, Philippines stood at the highest population in cities, at around 32% and this figure showed fluctuation from 1980 to 2000 and will be reaching approximately 55% by 2040. Malaysia demonstrated the most dramatic growth, climbing from 30% to roughly 85% over the 70 years.
Thailand began at roughly 18% in 1970, it rose steadily and will reach at around 45%. In contrast, Indonesia started with the lowest population in cities at about 14% and after a slow rise in the early years, it increased sharply after 2000, and will reach 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 requirements of the task. You have identified the main trends and provided comparisons between the four countries. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you state that the Philippines 'stood at the highest population in cities' in 1970, but the graph shows Malaysia and the Philippines starting at similar levels, and you mention Malaysia 'consistently recorded the highest migration' while the graph shows the Philippines starting higher. Additionally, some predictions are slightly imprecise. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are read with greater precision and that comparisons are factually aligned with the visual evidence provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, and you use some cohesive devices such as 'In contrast' and 'Overall' to link your points. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, and there are instances where the flow could be improved with more varied transition words. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the internal structure of the body paragraphs could be more cohesive by grouping the countries based on their trends rather than listing them individually.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'dramatic growth', 'fluctuation', and 'steadily'. However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation. For example, 'migration to cities' is less precise than 'urbanization', and 'urban cities' is redundant. There are also minor errors in phrasing, such as 'despite being with lowest figure', which sounds unnatural. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring that collocations are accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'The data demonstrates in the line chart is about' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'The data demonstrated in the line chart concerns...'. You also have issues with verb tenses and prepositions, such as 'will reach at around', where the 'at' is unnecessary. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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