Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The line graph illustrates the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in city area from 1970 to 2020 with forecast for 2023 and 2040.

Overall, the percent rise in all 4 countries with some fluctuation and also forecasted that it will be increase in 2030 and 2040.Philippines had the highest number people was living in cities in 1970.While ,in 2020,Malaysia accounted for the highest percentage.

in details, in 1970, Philippines had the highest number of individuals lived in a city with 33% . It followed by Malaysia with 30% in 1970. while the least amount of people living in a city accounted for Thailand and Indonesia . The formar had 18% and the later had 14%.

after 5 decades ,all increased Philippines reached at around 45%. Whereas Malaysia expersied significant rise reached around 70%. same for Thailand and Indonesia they went to 30% and 50% respectivly.

during 2030 to 20

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends and comparing the countries. However, the task is incomplete as the writing cuts off mid-sentence at the end. While the overview identifies the general upward trend and the starting/ending positions, the analysis of the data is somewhat superficial. The inclusion of '2023' instead of '2030' in the introduction is a minor inaccuracy. To improve, ensure all data points are fully described and the conclusion is completed, as the current abrupt ending prevents a full summary of the projected data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'The formar had 18% and the later had 14%'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. The abrupt ending of the essay significantly impacts the overall flow and coherence of the final section. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring a logical progression between sentences would enhance the score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'expersied' instead of 'experienced' and 'formar/later' instead of 'former/latter'. The phrasing 'living in city area' is unnatural and should be 'living in urban areas'. While the student attempts to use comparative language, the range is limited, and the errors occasionally distract the reader. Focusing on accurate collocations and more sophisticated reporting verbs would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Examples include 'the percent rise in all 4 countries with some fluctuation and also forecasted that it will be increase', which lacks a main verb and contains tense errors. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage (e.g., 'the highest number people was living'). While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. More attention to sentence construction and proofreading for basic errors is needed.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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