Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-15

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 illustrates that the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, include predictions for 2030 and 2040.

It is clear that the four cities of Asian countries population is increasing from 1970 to 2020 and it will be more increase between 2030 and 2040. Malaysia (80%) has the most number percentage of the population will be increase on 2040.

In 1970, Philippines and Malaysia had only 30% population lived on the city but now it grown up by 70% and 40% accordingly. It will be 80% in Philippines and 50% on Malaysia.

Thailand and Indonesia also booming over this period. Thailand started from 30% but now it is 30% and Indonesia had started from 15% and now its 50%. So Indonesia population is changing dramatically. In prediction Thailand will be upper by 40% and Indonesia will be around 60% in 2040.

So, overall the number of population increased all o the four countries.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the upward trend across all four countries. However, the data reporting is frequently inaccurate. For instance, you state that Malaysia and the Philippines had 30% in 1970, whereas the graph shows different starting points. Furthermore, the claim that Thailand 'is 30%' now (2020) contradicts the visual data. The analysis lacks precision, and the predictions for 2040 are not clearly distinguished from current data. To improve, ensure that data points are read accurately from the axes and that comparisons are made more systematically rather than listing countries individually.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'So, overall' and 'So Indonesia population' are used in a way that does not effectively link ideas. The progression of information is somewhat disjointed, particularly when moving between countries. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Subsequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus rather than jumping between different countries and time periods.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You frequently use basic verbs like 'increase', 'grown up', and 'booming'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'most number percentage' and 'upper by 40%'. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic message, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more varied reporting verbs and nouns related to trends, such as 'climb', 'surge', 'proportion', and 'significant growth'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'include predictions' (should be 'including'), 'more increase' (should be 'increase further'), and 'lived on the city' (should be 'lived in cities'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic grammar—such as subject-verb agreement and preposition usage—prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic tense consistency and article usage.

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