Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The graph gives the information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020 , with prediction for 2030 and 2040. First, we talk about Philippines. In 1970, the population of Philippines is round about 30% to 31% and in 1980, its round about 30% to 32%. In 1990, the population suddenly increase from 30% to 50% and in 1990 to 2020, it gradually decrease from 50% to 40%. In 2010 to 2020, the population increase from 40% to 45%. There is prediction that it will increase to 60%. In Malaysia, the population gradually increase from 30% to 70% in 1970 to 2020 and there population will increase from 70% to 85% in next two years. Then, we talk about Thailand. In 1970 to 2020, the population increase from18% to30% but there population will also increase from 45% to 53%. In Indonesia, there population gradually increase from 15% to 50% from 1970 to 2020 and there population will increase at 60% in next 2 years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers all four countries and the time periods mentioned. However, the analysis is largely a list of data points rather than a summary of main features or trends. The student fails to provide a clear overview or identify significant comparisons, such as the overall upward trend in all countries versus the specific fluctuations in the Philippines. The data reporting is also inaccurate in places, such as the claim that the Philippines population 'suddenly increase' to 50% in 1990, which is not supported by the graph. The inclusion of 'next two years' for 2030/2040 is a misunderstanding of the timeline. To improve, focus on grouping data by trends rather than listing each country individually.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response lacks a clear structure. It is written as a single block of text, which makes it difficult to follow. There is no clear paragraphing to separate the introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are very limited and repetitive, relying heavily on 'In 1970' or 'In 1990' to start sentences. There is little evidence of logical progression or linking phrases that connect the trends between the countries. To improve, use clear paragraph breaks and a wider variety of transition words like 'In contrast,' 'Similarly,' or 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the data.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. The student relies heavily on the word 'increase' and 'population' throughout the text. There is little attempt to use a range of synonyms or more sophisticated vocabulary to describe trends (e.g., 'climb,' 'surge,' 'fluctuate,' 'plateau'). Additionally, there are errors in word choice, such as using 'there' instead of 'their' consistently. The lack of variety in reporting verbs and nouns limits the ability to convey the information with precision. Expanding the range of descriptive language for trends would significantly improve the quality of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the population... increase' instead of 'increases') and tense usage, particularly when discussing past data versus future predictions. The sentence structures are simple and repetitive, lacking the complexity required for higher bands. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after commas and periods. To reach a higher band, the student needs to focus on consistent verb tense usage for historical data and future projections, as well as improving sentence variety through the use of complex structures.

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