Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-20
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 present the information about the percentage of the population in (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) living in urban area from 1970 to 2020, also gives predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, In all these countries there is an increasing trend. Most of the Malaysian people live in city area form the beginning of the period. In Philippines there has been fluctuating trend over the period of time.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the score. Because the response is only 70 words, it fails to provide a sufficient summary of the data. While you have identified the topic and attempted an overview, you have not described the trends for all four countries, nor have you provided the necessary data comparisons or specific figures from the graph. To improve, you must ensure you cover all parts of the prompt, including a clear overview and detailed reporting of the main features for each country, ensuring you meet the minimum word count.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is too short to demonstrate a full range of cohesive devices or effective paragraphing. While there is a basic attempt at an introduction and an overview, the lack of development makes it difficult to assess the logical progression of ideas. You have used some basic linking words like 'Overall' and 'In all these countries', but the text lacks the necessary structure to connect data points effectively. To improve, focus on grouping information logically and using a wider variety of linking phrases to guide the reader through your analysis.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'increasing trend' and 'fluctuating trend' are accurate but limited. There are also some minor errors in word choice, such as 'city area' instead of 'urban areas' and 'form' instead of 'from'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'urbanisation', 'steadily', or 'dramatically'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that hinder the flow. For example, 'The line graph present' should be 'The line graph presents', and 'In Philippines' requires the definite article 'the'. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, as the sentences are mostly simple or contain minor errors. The punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Aim to incorporate more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions to combine ideas.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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