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 given line graph depicts the knowledge about the proportion of the population in four different nations staying in cities between 1970 and 2020 along with forecast for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it can be observed from the graph that majority percentage of population is living in Malaysia however, it is vice versa in case of Thailand.
In detail, it can be clearly seen that in 1970 , 30 percent of population was living in Malaysia and expand to 40 percent in 1980 however, it showed gradual increase after 1990 that will stayed at 80 percent in the last given year. Moreover, the population in Philippines in the first given year was around 32 percent that stabilized in 1980, it then upsurge to 50 percent in 1990 then dropped to 40 percent in 2010 Further , the population will be around 55 percent in 2040.
Furthermore, near 20 percent of people live in Thailand and approximately 15 percent in Indonesia after that both cities population stepped up. Although, more percentage of people was living in Indonesia than Thailand as it will stood to 60 percent in Indonesia whereas, 50 percent in Thailand.
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 the time frame provided. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains inaccuracies. For instance, the claim that the population in Malaysia 'stayed at 80 percent' is not supported by the graph, which shows a continuous upward trend. Furthermore, the description of the trends for Indonesia and Thailand is confusing and lacks precision, particularly regarding the future predictions. While the main features are identified, the lack of clarity in reporting the data points and the misinterpretation of some trends prevent this from reaching a higher band. More careful attention to the specific data points is required to ensure accuracy.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is often disrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. The use of cohesive devices like 'In detail', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' is present but often feels forced or incorrectly applied. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the final paragraph where the comparison between Indonesia and Thailand is muddled. The progression of ideas is not always smooth, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the four countries over the specified time periods. Improved sentence linking and clearer paragraph structure would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'staying in cities' instead of 'urban population' or 'living in urban areas', and 'upsurge' used incorrectly as a verb in this context. The phrase 'vice versa in case of Thailand' is also misused, as it does not logically follow the previous statement. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the limited range and frequent errors in collocation and word choice restrict the score. Expanding your repertoire of academic vocabulary related to trends and data reporting is recommended.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include tense inconsistencies (e.g., 'will stayed', 'it will stood'), missing articles, and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'more percentage of people was living'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and periods. While the meaning is usually understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and verb tense usage prevents the response from achieving a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage for future predictions is essential.
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.