Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 line graph shows the percentage of population in different asian countries fron 1970 to 2040.

In 1970 we can see that population in philippines and malaysia were close to each other around 30% but in thailand and indonesia individuals were around 20% and 12% simultaneously. With the passage of time in 1980 population in 3 countries slightly increased by 5 to 7% but in phillippines remained stable and on 1990 we can see the clear diffwrence in philippines that population rose sharply by 20% but in otjer 3 countries we can see the difference that steadily increased. In 2010 population in philippines droped dramatically but in malaysia it increased dramatically and in other 2 countries we can see slight difference. and in 2040 we can see the graph for philippines that experienced a fall and otjer 3 countries increased significantly in population. During the years from 2000 to 2030 we can see the sudden rose up for indonesia and malaysia and other 2 countries slightly moved.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.0
Coherence and Cohesion5.0
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarize the main features of the graph, but it fails to provide a clear overview or identify significant trends accurately. The description of the data is often confusing and inaccurate; for example, stating that the population in the Philippines 'dropped dramatically' in 2010 contradicts the typical visual representation of such data. The report lacks a clear summary of the overall trends, and the information provided is often disjointed, making it difficult to follow the progression of the data over the 70-year period. To improve, focus on identifying the most prominent features, such as the overall growth trajectory for all countries, and ensure that the data points mentioned are accurate and clearly linked to the years provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and often repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in [year] we can see'. There is a lack of variety in linking words, which makes the writing feel mechanical. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when referring to 'the other 3 countries' without specifying which ones are being discussed. To improve, use a wider range of cohesive devices like 'consequently', 'in contrast', or 'subsequently' to link ideas more fluidly and ensure that the progression of time is clearly signaled throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'we can see' are used excessively, which limits the range of expression. There are also several spelling errors, such as 'philippines', 'diffwrence', 'otjer', and 'droped'. The use of 'simultaneously' is misused in the context of comparing percentages. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'remained constant', and ensure that you are using words in their correct context. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs will also help to make your writing more sophisticated and precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses, such as 'population... droped' instead of 'dropped', and errors in subject-verb agreement. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and run-on sentences. The sentence structure is often repetitive, relying heavily on simple clauses. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like subject-verb agreement and tense consistency. Incorporating more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions, will help demonstrate a wider grammatical range.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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