Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The given line graph illustrates the ratio of people living in cities from 1970 to 2020 also includes future ratio of four Asian countries. Overall, it shows four lines each represented by a different country. it also states year and total population in percentage. It shows several ups and down during this time between 1970 and 2020.
Firstly, Philippines represented by dotted line with a square that arise from approximately 32% in 1970 to almost 50% in 1990 then it falls and frequently increases to 46% and in future it would be around 52% in 2040. Secondly, Indonesia that was lowest population living in cities about 14% in 1970. It increased rapidly to 405 in 2010 and then expected to continue increasing till 2040 to nearly 58%.
Additionally, Malaysia consists of greater population by percentage living in cities from 1970to 2020 it increased by 50% till 2040.thailand also increased from 18%to 28% in 2020 and expected to cross 40 on 2040.
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 superficial. While you identify some trends, the description of the data is often inaccurate or lacks precision. For example, you state Indonesia increased to '405' in 2010, which is a clear data error. Furthermore, the overview is weak; it describes the graph's structure rather than highlighting the main trends, such as the overall upward trajectory for all countries. To improve, focus on selecting key features—such as the country with the highest growth or the most significant changes—rather than listing data points for each country in isolation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is mechanical. You use basic transition words like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Additionally', which makes the flow feel repetitive. There is a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices to link the data points effectively. Additionally, some sentences are disjointed, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs. To improve, try to group information by trends or similarities rather than just listing countries one by one, and use a wider variety of linking phrases to connect your observations.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic verbs like 'increased' and 'falls'. There are also issues with word choice and accuracy, such as 'ratio of people' instead of 'percentage of the population' and the confusing phrasing 'consists of greater population by percentage'. The error '405' suggests a lack of attention to detail in reporting figures. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', 'remained stable', or 'projected to reach', and ensure that your terminology is used in the correct context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage ('the' is often missing), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure (e.g., 'it also states year and total population in percentage'). Some sentences are fragmented or run-on, such as 'Malaysia consists of greater population by percentage living in cities from 1970to 2020 it increased by 50% till 2040.' Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing and capitalization. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and proofreading for common errors like missing prepositions and incorrect verb tenses.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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