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 graph illustrates the proportion of the population of four Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia) between 1970 to 2020, and with predictions in 2030, and 2040.
Overall, the Philippines was the country with the highest percentage in 1970 and experienced a decline in 2000. Malaysia was the second highest, and it continued to increase till in 20240.
In 1970, the Philippines was the most popular country with just above 30% of the population, then had a slight decline in 1980, experienced a sharp increase in 1990, and in 2000 it dropped until the years 2030 and 2040, when it found it feet and increased slightly.
Indonesia had the smallest percentage of population with just slightly above 10% in 1970, surged in 1980 and continued to increase till in 2040, followed by Malaysia at 30% in 1970 continued and had the highest percentage all through the years with just around 80% in 2040
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers all four countries and the time frame provided. However, the analysis is inconsistent and contains factual inaccuracies regarding the data. For instance, you mention the Philippines had a 'sharp increase' in 1990 and a 'drop' in 2000, which does not accurately reflect the trend lines. Furthermore, the description of the trends is somewhat disjointed, and the overview is not fully representative of the main features, such as the clear upward trajectory of all countries by 2040. To improve, ensure you carefully track the data points and focus on clear, comparative trends rather than listing individual fluctuations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'in 1970' and 'in 2040'. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, making the flow of information difficult to follow. To reach a higher band, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'in contrast', 'meanwhile') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus rather than jumping between countries.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher score. Phrases like 'found it feet' are idiomatic but inappropriate for an academic report. There are also issues with word choice, such as describing a country as 'the most popular country' when referring to urban population percentages. To improve, focus on using precise terminology for data description, such as 'proportion', 'urbanisation rate', 'fluctuated', and 'projected to reach'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs will also help convey the trends more accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'till in 20240' (a typo and redundant preposition), 'dropped until the years 2030 and 2040', and 'continued and had the highest percentage'. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and awkward phrasing. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic errors and practice constructing complex sentences that accurately describe trends over time, ensuring that your use of prepositions and verb tenses is consistent throughout the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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