Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-17
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 the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, as well as projections for 2030 and 2040.
In overview, there is a big change in the percentage in the Philippines and Indonesia from 1970 to 2026, and in the future there will be a significant change. While the minor difference between Thailand and Malaysia.
In detail, in 1970, 13% Indonesia people were living in cities, and with the passage of time, the ratio of people living in cities decreased; now, 58% of people live in cities. The percentage would be 61% by 2040. In 1970, 18% Thailand people were living in cities, and now, 35% of people live in cities. There will be a decrease to 48% by 2040. Malaysian people living in cities in 1970 was 30%, and now the percentage has decreased to 80%. In 2040, it will be 85%. Philippines people was live in cities in 1970 was 32%, and there is a minor difference in the future.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers all four countries and the time frame, but the analysis is significantly flawed. You misinterpret the data, stating that urban populations 'decreased' when the graph clearly shows an upward trend for all countries. Furthermore, the overview is weak; it lacks a clear summary of the main trends, such as the consistent growth across all nations. The description of the data is inaccurate, for example, claiming Malaysia's percentage 'decreased to 80%' when it is clearly rising. To improve, you must carefully read the axes and trends before writing, and ensure your overview highlights the most significant features rather than just listing numbers.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into an introduction, overview, and body paragraphs, which is a good structure. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by inaccurate data reporting and awkward phrasing. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In detail' and 'with the passage of time', but they are sometimes used mechanically or inappropriately. The transition between sentences is often abrupt, and the lack of logical connection between the overview and the body paragraphs makes the response feel disjointed. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'big change' and 'minor difference', which lack the precision required for an Academic Task 1 response. There are also errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'Philippines people was live in cities', which is grammatically incorrect and lexically imprecise. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'upward trajectory', 'steady growth', or 'projected to reach'. Focusing on using precise terminology to describe data changes will significantly improve your lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the response that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include '13% Indonesia people were living', 'Malaysian people living in cities... was 30%', and 'Philippines people was live in cities'. These errors involve subject-verb agreement, article usage, and sentence structure. While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often marred by these persistent errors. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree and that you are using correct prepositions and articles. Proofreading for these common errors before finishing is essential.
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.