Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19

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 ratio of urban areas population in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020 with expected change in future between 2030 and 2040.

Overall, all of the four regions follow upward trend through out the period. The Malaysia population increased high in past and also in future as compare to other countries.

To begin, in 1970 30 percent residents were living in Malaysia in next 20 years the population grow slightly after it increased sharply in 2020 75 percent ratio of people recorded and in future expect this growth reach to approximately 83 percent. The Thailand and Indonesia citizens were very small in ratio not above then 20 percent both regions population increased gradually from 1970 to 2000 and onward its Indonesia population increased steadily almost 50 percent citizens were in 2000 and expect to reach to 60 percent in future. While, Thailand followed same trend till 2020 and expect to increase in coming years. The Philippines followed fluctuation trend while, grow gradually in future and reach to above then 50 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview. You covered all four countries and included the future projections as required. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For example, you mention '30 percent' for Malaysia in 1970, but the graph shows a different starting point, and your description of the Philippines as having a 'fluctuation trend' is vague and not supported by the data, which shows a steady increase. To improve, ensure you accurately extract figures from the graph and use them to support your comparisons rather than making general statements. The task is addressed, but the accuracy of the data interpretation needs refinement to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs, which provides a logical structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally confusing. Phrases like 'in next 20 years' and 'onward its Indonesia population' lack necessary articles and prepositions, which disrupts the flow of ideas. The transition between describing different countries is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'In contrast,' 'Furthermore,' 'Subsequently') and ensure that each sentence clearly connects to the previous one to create a smoother progression of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite repetitive and lacks precision. You frequently use basic terms like 'increased' and 'growth.' There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'ratio of urban areas population' and 'small in ratio.' To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to trends, such as 'surged,' 'plateaued,' or 'a significant proportion.' Additionally, ensure you use the correct terminology for statistical data, such as 'percentage' or 'proportion' instead of 'ratio' in this context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include missing articles ('in 1970 30 percent residents'), subject-verb agreement errors ('population grow'), and incorrect preposition usage ('above then 20 percent'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically ensuring that subjects and verbs agree and that articles are used correctly before nouns. Reducing these frequent errors will significantly improve the readability of your writing.

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