Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-14

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 demonstrates the proportion of the population infour different nations in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia people who was living in urban area between 1970 to 2020 and with future assumption from 2030 to 2040.

Overall, It was clearly illustrates that, the populations was increased over the period of time even in the future as well. However, there is some fluctuation was mentioned in it.

Philippines was the only country where was a declined around 50% to 45% of the population in cities from 1990 to 2010. However even in future it will be reach above then 50%. In 1970, Thailand started from less the 20 %c and over the period it reach 10% more in further prediction.

Therefore, Malaysia and Indonesia both are rising rapidly from last 4 decades from under 10% to 30% started their population and reached nearly more then 70% and 50% even in their future assumption their percentage of population are highest as compare to other Asian nations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall upward trend and the specific data points for the four countries. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains inaccuracies in data interpretation. For example, the claim that Philippines had a decline from 1990 to 2010 is not clearly supported by the provided data, and the description of the growth in Malaysia and Indonesia is confusingly phrased. While the main trends are identified, the lack of precision in reporting the figures and the slightly muddled comparison between countries prevent this from reaching a higher band. The overview is present but lacks clarity.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'Therefore, Malaysia and Indonesia' are used incorrectly as a transition, and the connection between sentences is sometimes weak. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the future predictions. While there is an overall progression, the flow is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and a lack of logical links between the data points presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'future assumption' instead of 'future projections' and 'reach above then' instead of 'reach above'. The student struggles with precise terminology for describing trends, relying on basic verbs like 'increased' or 'rising'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and the frequent errors in collocation and word form indicate a limited lexical range that is just adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('the populations was increased'), article usage, and sentence structure ('Philippines was the only country where was a declined'). The attempt at complex sentences often results in awkward or ungrammatical phrasing. While the student attempts to use a mix of structures, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and punctuation limits the score. The writing lacks the control necessary for a higher band.

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

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