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 illustrates the data of four asian citie's urban population from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Over all, Malaysia experienced rapid growth and reached to 60% of total population living in cities until 2020, while expected to reach 80% in 2040. Meanwhile, Thailand ranked lowest among cities whose population living in cities with only approximately 45% expected to live in 2040.
In 1970, only 15% population of indonesia lived in cities but the number grew steadily till 2000 then rose dramatically to 50% in 2020 & expected to reach 60% in 2040.
Malaysia, among all cities
saw a surge sharp rise
in urban population. Only
30% living in cities in
1970 to 80% in 2020
is a massive turn around
& will increase in same
pace till 2040 with
90% people chose to
live in cities.
Meanwhile Thailand & Philippines
had similar situations as
both countries failed to
increase their population
in major cities as other countries in region did - they
had a small growth intill
1980 then remained stable
till 2020 & predictions
are both will end up
at 50% & 50% respectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers all four countries and includes the required timeframes. However, the presentation is inconsistent. The overview is present but lacks clarity, and the data reporting is occasionally inaccurate (e.g., stating Malaysia reached 80% in 2020 when the graph shows a lower figure). The structure is fragmented, with some paragraphs appearing as lists rather than cohesive analytical text. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in data interpretation and the disjointed formatting prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure that all data points are accurately transcribed from the graph and that the information is presented in a formal, continuous prose style.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay suffers from significant formatting issues. The use of irregular line breaks and fragmented sentences in the middle paragraphs disrupts the flow of information. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile' and 'In 1970', the overall logical progression is hindered by the unconventional layout. Paragraphing is present but the internal structure of the paragraphs is weak, making the text feel like a series of bullet points rather than a cohesive report. Improving the paragraph structure and ensuring consistent sentence formatting would significantly enhance the readability and logical flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, though it is somewhat repetitive. Phrases like 'lived in cities' and 'growth' are used frequently. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'massive turn around' and 'failed to increase their population in major cities', which is slightly imprecise given the context of urbanisation percentages. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student relies on basic descriptive terms. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'urbanisation' and focus on more precise collocations related to data trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include incorrect pluralisation ('asian citie's'), missing articles ('only 15% population of indonesia'), and awkward phrasing ('90% people chose to live in cities'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of '&' instead of 'and' and the erratic line breaks. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors is noticeable. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, consistent use of articles, and avoiding informal abbreviations like '&' will help improve the grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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