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 given line graph illustrates the proportion of the population in four different Asian countries living in cities since last five decades and also showed the predictions for 2030 and 2040.
According to the line graph, in 1970, 30% of population from total proportion lived in cities, in Philippines and Malaysia. In Malaysia, This percentage rose consistently from 1980 to 2020, at 75%. While, in Philippines, this proportion was fluctuated from 1980 to 2020., which reached, at 45% before sharp decreased in 2000 and 2010.
In addition, in 1970, there was 20% and 15% of population from total population lived in cities, in Thailand and Indonesia respectively. In Thailand, The proportion increased gradually from 1980 to 2020, at 30%. Similarly, in Indonesia, the percentages of population went up, at 50%. As per graph, for future, we can be seen increased trend in all four counties, in 2030 and 2040.
Overall, the proportion of population increased from 1970 to 2040 in four counties. In Malaysia, the percentage of population in cities was higher than others counties.
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 frame provided. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and contains inaccuracies regarding the data. For instance, you mention a 'sharp decreased' in the Philippines in 2000 and 2010, which is not clearly supported by the visual trend. Additionally, the description of the data is often imprecise, such as stating Malaysia reached 75% in 2020 without noting the specific trend trajectory. To improve, ensure that you accurately identify the key features, such as the clear upward trend for all countries and the significant gap between Malaysia and the others, while avoiding misinterpretation of the data points.
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 slightly awkward, such as 'While, in Philippines' and 'As per graph, for future, we can be seen'. The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, particularly when jumping between countries. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases more naturally to connect sentences and ideas, and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'this proportion') clearly points back to the intended subject.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors like 'increased' and 'proportion'. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'since last five decades' (should be 'over the last five decades') and 'this proportion was fluctuated' (should be 'this proportion fluctuated'). To improve, incorporate more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to trends, such as 'surged', 'plateaued', or 'a significant upward trajectory', and pay closer attention to prepositional usage.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally hinder readability. Examples include '30% of population from total proportion lived', 'we can be seen increased trend', and inconsistent capitalization (e.g., 'In Malaysia, This percentage'). Punctuation is also problematic, with unnecessary commas appearing throughout the text. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and refining sentence structure to ensure that complex sentences are formed accurately without excessive punctuation errors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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