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 graph shows the information about the population growth of four Asian countries between the year 1970 and 2020, however, it also predicts the growth in urbanization in next two decades in the form of percentage.

Initially, Malaysia shows the greatest urbanization growth between 1970 and 2020. This figure increased from 30% to above 70% and now it is aiming for more than 80% growth for the year 2040. The least increase has recorded for Philippines, whose urban population has decreased in a certain period and then shows some growth after that decline from around 40% in 2010 to approximately 42% in 2020 but it shows the target of above 50% till 2040. Indonesia's cities also show continues increase in population from the beginning and its aim for 2040 is just below 60%. Thailand's cities population growth remained near to none between 1990 and 2020, however, it predicted a significant increase in the urbanization in the next two decades.

In summary, all the countries show the growth in their urban population and also they are aiming for more growth in next two decades.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included the predictions for 2030 and 2040. However, the response lacks a clear 'overview' paragraph that synthesizes the main trends; instead, you jump straight into specific details. To improve, ensure you highlight the most significant differences, such as Malaysia's consistent dominance or the overall upward trend across all nations, in a separate introductory summary. Additionally, some data points are slightly inaccurate, such as describing Thailand's growth as 'near to none' between 1990 and 2020, which ignores the visible fluctuations shown in the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices like 'initially' and 'in summary' to structure the text. However, the progression between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of linking words could be more varied to improve the flow. For instance, the transition between the description of Malaysia and the Philippines is abrupt. Using more sophisticated cohesive devices such as 'in contrast,' 'conversely,' or 'meanwhile' would help to better connect the comparisons between the four countries and improve the overall coherence of your report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'urbanization,' 'population growth,' and 'decline.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, you use 'aiming for' and 'target' in a way that implies the countries are active agents, whereas it is more accurate to describe the data as 'projected to reach' or 'forecasted to rise.' Additionally, phrases like 'remained near to none' are slightly unnatural. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise reporting verbs and adverbs would help you achieve a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. However, there are several grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. For example, 'The least increase has recorded for Philippines' should be 'The least increase was recorded for the Philippines.' There are also issues with article usage ('the Philippines') and subject-verb agreement ('it predicted a significant increase' should be 'it is predicted to see'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and article placement will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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