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)
In this graph, I can see the percentage of the population living in cities. In 1970, Indonesia had the lowest population with a percentage of 13%. In that same year, Thailand had a population percentage of 19%, compared to 30% for Malaysia and 31% for The Philippines. In addition, there was a significant jump in population for Malaysia from 1990 to 2000, which changed from 45% to 60%. In the year 2000, Indonesia and Thailand were on an equal percentage of 27%. In 2010, the differences between numbers of countries plateau, with the highest being Malaysia, then Indonesia, The Philippines, and Thailand being the lowest of all. Predictions say that this will continue in 2030 and 2040, with each country's numbers surging. It is assessed that the percentage of the population in cities will rise to 80% for Malaysia, 60% for Indonesia, 50% for The Philippines and 45% for Thailand.
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 the main features of the graph, identifying the starting points and the projected trends. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention specific years like 1970 and 2000, the description of the trends lacks depth. For instance, the statement that differences 'plateau' in 2010 is not clearly supported by the data, and the summary of future predictions is a bit generic. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a clear overview that highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the consistent upward trajectory of all countries) and use more precise comparative language to describe the relationships between the countries throughout the period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is coherent, and the information is arranged logically by time period. However, the paragraphing is non-existent; the entire response is a single block of text. IELTS Task 1 responses should be structured into at least two or three paragraphs (Introduction/Overview and Body paragraphs). While you use some cohesive devices like 'In addition' and 'In the year 2000', the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. To improve, focus on grouping related data points together and using a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have an adequate range of vocabulary to convey the information, such as 'significant jump', 'surging', and 'assessed'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'numbers of countries' (which should refer to the percentage of the population) and 'plateau', which is used incorrectly to describe the gap between countries. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. Try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'percentage' to avoid repetition and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'Indonesia had the lowest population with a percentage of 13%', where 'population' is used instead of 'urban population' or 'percentage of the population'. Additionally, 'the differences between numbers of countries' is slightly awkward. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and using more precise prepositional phrases to describe data trends accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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