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 graph provides information about the proportion of the population in four Asian countries lives in cities between 1970 and 2020, along with estimates for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, among two countries the population fluctuated at first and than rose while the other two faced constant growth, in addition an increase is predicted among all four regions in future.

Philippines and Indonesia were the countries where population faced a rise initially but fluctuates and than rose constantly. However, from 1970 and 1980, the growth of Philippines was almost 30% and than hit its highest point 48% in 1990 and fluctuates till 2020. While Indonesia's population rose continuously from 13% in 1970 to 25% in 2000 and 45% in 2020.

Malaysia and Thailand were the countries with no decrease but only rise and rise. In 1970, Malaysia growth was 30% than 45% in 1990 and 70% in 2020. Likewise, Tha

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you identify the main trends and provide some data points, the report is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence at the end. The overview is present but lacks sufficient detail to fully capture the comparative nature of the task. To improve, ensure you complete the analysis of all four countries and provide a more comprehensive summary of the trends, including the projected figures for 2030 and 2040, to ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is hindered by the incomplete nature of the final paragraph. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall' and 'However', but they are sometimes used incorrectly or in a repetitive manner (e.g., 'rise and rise'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the abrupt ending prevents the development of a cohesive conclusion or a fully realized final paragraph. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear, finished structure would enhance the coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'rose' and 'fluctuated'. You also make errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'population faced a rise' instead of 'the percentage of the population increased'. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'surged', 'leveled off', or 'gradual increase', and ensure that your terminology is used accurately in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('population... lives in cities') and awkward phrasing ('than rose' instead of 'then rose'). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and the errors in tense and word form occasionally distract the reader. While you attempt to use complex sentences, they are often marred by punctuation or structural mistakes. Focusing on basic accuracy, particularly with verb tenses and spelling (e.g., 'than' vs 'then'), will help improve your score significantly.

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

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