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 illustrates the proportion of total population living in cities of four Asian countries include Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia between 1970 and 2020 with predictions for next 20 years.
Overall, people of Malaysia who lives in cities remain highest till 2040. While, residents of Thailand show a least interest till 2040. All four countries show substantial growth throughout the period.
Looking at line graph in detail, in 1970 total population of Malaysia lives in cities was 30%. This percentage will increase to 80% in 2040, which is highest figure throughout the period. Around 15% of Indonesian people in 1970 lives in cities, this figure shows significant growth and 55% will record at the end 2040.
Thailand showed approximately 17% residents who lives in cities this proportion accounted at 45% till 2040.
On the other hands, Philippines people who lives in cities was just above 30% at the end of 2040 it will recorded at around 50%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and the time period provided. You have identified the main trends, such as the overall growth in urban populations and the relative positions of the countries. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For example, you mention that Malaysia is the highest, but you do not contrast this effectively with the other countries' growth rates. Additionally, there are some inaccuracies in data reporting; for instance, you state the Philippines was 'just above 30%' in 1970, whereas the graph shows it closer to 30% or slightly below. To improve, ensure you provide more precise data points and focus on comparing the countries rather than listing them individually.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs, which provides a logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate. For example, 'While, residents of Thailand...' is grammatically incorrect as a sentence starter, and 'On the other hands' is a non-standard collocation. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the transition between sentences could be smoother. Using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Subsequently') would help improve the flow and coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'showed' and 'lives in cities' repeatedly. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'show a least interest,' which is not appropriate for describing statistical data. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'upward trajectory,' 'fluctuate,' or 'proportionate increase,' and ensure that your word choices are contextually accurate for an academic report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'people... who lives' instead of 'who live') and tense usage (e.g., 'will recorded' instead of 'will be recorded'). There are also errors with articles and prepositions. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent verb tenses and subject-verb agreement will significantly improve your accuracy.
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.