Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-12
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 line graph below illustrates the proportion of the population who lived in cities in four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, and also the future expected population who will live in cities from 2030 to 2040.
Overall, Malaysia has the highest number of people living in cities, including the future prediction. However, Indonesia has the lowest percentage of people according to future predictions. Regarding the time period between 1970 and 2020, Indonesia has started at the lowest in 1970, at approximately 15%, but reached 50% by 2020, which is the second-highest urban population, compared to Thailand who has a slightly higher urban population than Indonesia with approximately 19%, and was still the lowest urban population in 2020. Turning to future predictions of urban population in the Philippines, it was expected to reach 50% in 2030. Still, it was expected to rise slightly by 2040 to exactly 55%, compared to Malaysia, which has the highest expected population by 2030 with approximately 80% and expected rise slightly in 2040 to around 85%.
In conclusion, Indonesia has the smallest population in the early days but the Philippines has the highest. Regarding future prediction, Malaysia has the highest, urban population, while Thailand has the lowest.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons. However, there are some inaccuracies in the data reporting. For instance, you state that Thailand had the lowest urban population in 2020, but the graph shows Indonesia at 50% and Thailand at a higher percentage. Additionally, the conclusion contains a factual error by claiming the Philippines had the highest population in the early days, which contradicts the data. While the main features are highlighted, the analysis lacks precision in data interpretation, which prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that data points are checked carefully against the graph to avoid misrepresenting the information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, including an introduction, overview, body, and conclusion. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly repetitive. For example, the transition 'Turning to future predictions' is effective, but the conclusion is somewhat disjointed and repeats information already mentioned in the body. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the data points more fluidly rather than listing them sequentially.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'urban population', and 'future predictions'. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'expected rise slightly' (missing 'to') and 'in the early days' (which is informal for an academic report). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey meaning, but it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more academic collocations and avoiding informal phrasing when describing trends and data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'compared to Thailand who has' (should be 'which has') and 'expected rise slightly' (should be 'is expected to rise slightly'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are unnecessary commas, such as in 'highest, urban population'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Increasing the variety of complex structures and ensuring subject-verb agreement will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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