Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-06
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 chart below illustrates the comparison of the citizenry in four Asian urban areas residing from 1970 to 2020, with expectations for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, the percentage remained stable with minor ups and downs. Philippines and Thailand fluctuated over the seven decades. Malaysia's population peaked over the years, and Indonesia was the least populous country; however, the number of individuals gradually rose. Furthermore, the Philippines' population steadily diminished.
In 1970, the population of the Philippines was 30%; by 1990, it had reached its peak of approximately 50%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Because the text is only 89 words, the response is severely underdeveloped. It fails to provide a comprehensive overview or report on the data for all four countries across the entire time period. The summary is incomplete, as it stops abruptly after mentioning only two countries and fails to cover the projections for 2030 and 2040. To improve, you must ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed, including a clear overview of trends and specific data points for all categories provided in the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is too short to demonstrate effective paragraphing or a logical progression of ideas. While there is a basic attempt at an introduction and an overview, the lack of development makes it difficult to assess the use of cohesive devices. The transition between the overview and the body paragraph is abrupt. To achieve a higher band, you need to structure your response into clear paragraphs—an introduction, an overview, and two detailed body paragraphs—using a variety of linking words such as 'meanwhile,' 'in contrast,' or 'subsequently' to connect your ideas logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is somewhat repetitive and limited. Phrases like 'minor ups and downs' and 'gradually rose' are acceptable but basic. There are also issues with word choice; for example, 'citizenry in four Asian urban areas residing' is awkward and imprecise. To improve, aim to use more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated,' 'remained stagnant,' or 'experienced a significant surge.' Expanding your range of synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' will help you describe the data more effectively and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but the brevity of the text limits the assessment of your grammatical range. There are some awkward phrasings, such as 'the citizenry in four Asian urban areas residing,' which lacks clarity. While there are no major errors that completely impede communication, the limited length prevents the demonstration of a wide range of complex structures. Focus on using a variety of sentence types, including relative clauses and passive voice, to describe the data more accurately and fluently.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.