Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-05
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 illustrates the percentage of people of Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and indonesia residing in urban areas during the year 1970 to 2020, and it also shows the forecast for the year 2030 to 2040.
Overall, the graph shows an upward trend. Philippines population has shows a dramatic increase while Thailand and Malaysia showing a fluctuated growth. On other hand Malaysian population over took rest of the counties.
During the year of 1970 to 2020, Malaysia showed around a five fold growth rate, while Thailand only increased by 10%. Philippines has reached its peak of 50% in the year 1990 , then it fluctuated. On other hand Thailand has followed the same pattern and reached its peak of 30% in the same year as Philippines.
All four countries population has been predicted a steady growth during the year of 2030 to 2040, where the Malaysia population expected to reach 80% growth rate while Thailand population to be forecasted with a least rate of 40%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response identifies the main trends and provides some comparisons, but the accuracy of the data reporting is inconsistent. For instance, stating that Malaysia showed a 'five-fold growth' is not clearly supported by the graph, and the claim that the Philippines reached a peak in 1990 and then fluctuated is inaccurate based on the provided visual data. The overview is present but lacks precision. To improve, ensure that the data points cited are accurate and that the summary captures the overall trajectory of all four countries more effectively. The distinction between historical data and future predictions is noted, but the analysis of the trends could be more detailed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally misused, such as 'On other hand' appearing twice in a way that does not always signal a clear contrast. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the connection between sentences could be smoother. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the countries' trends. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used to create logical flow between sentences would enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'five fold growth rate' and 'least rate of 40%'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors like 'dramatic increase' and 'upward trend'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'significant surge', 'gradual climb', or 'projected to reach', and ensure that collocations are used accurately to describe statistical data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'Philippines population has shows', 'All four countries population has been predicted', and 'Malaysian population over took rest of the counties'. Subject-verb agreement and article usage (e.g., 'the Philippines', 'the Malaysia') are inconsistent. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and subject-verb agreement will significantly improve the quality of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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