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 depicts the percentage of the population living in cities among four Asian countries named the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. At a glace, from given countries, Indonesia and the Philippines had shown significant growth in the population.

From a year 1990, Indonesia and the Philippines had reflected similar type of rapid escalation. Before 1990, both countries had shown steady growth. The percentage of population in The Philippines in 1970 was just 30% which moderately increased till 1990, then shown stable constant growth and will estimated to end at 80% of population till 2040. Similarly, Indonesia started with around 13% of population in cities, which had grown slowly till 2000 and then increased at same growth rate and projected to reach at 60% of population in 2030. In comparison of Indonesia, Thailand is showing more stable growth. It was initiated with 19% of population in 1970 and then showed fluctuations till 2010. After 2010, it got stabled for a decade and from 2020, it started rising and estimated to reach at approximately 45%. However, The Philippines depicted more fluctuation as compared to Thailand till 2010. After 2010, the population started to grow steadily and estimated to reach at 50% of population.

Overall, the percentage of population had rose with the time in all four countries. However, in year 1970, Malaysia was not have the highest percentage of population. But as per the data, Malaysia is expected to have the highest percentage of population in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided relevant comparisons between the four countries. You covered the entire timeframe from 1970 to 2040. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, you mention Indonesia and the Philippines had 'significant growth' but the specific figures provided for the Philippines (starting at 30% and ending at 80%) are somewhat inconsistent with the visual data provided in the graph. Additionally, the description of Thailand's fluctuations is slightly confusing. To improve, ensure that the data points cited are accurate and that the overview clearly highlights the most striking differences between the countries, such as Malaysia's clear lead in urbanisation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding overview. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'In comparison of', and 'However' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. For example, the transition between the discussion of Indonesia and Thailand could be smoother. The use of referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when comparing the countries. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that progresses the argument logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'escalation', 'projected', and 'fluctuations'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'at a glace' (glance), 'got stabled' (stabilised), and 'will estimated' (is estimated). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your report. To improve, focus on using more academic collocations and ensure you are using the correct word forms (e.g., using 'stabilised' instead of 'got stabled').

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use future projections and past tenses, there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'From a year 1990' (In 1990), 'was not have' (did not have), and 'the population had rose' (had risen). These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding your meaning. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of tense markers when describing trends over time. Increasing the frequency of error-free sentences will help you move into a higher band.

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

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