Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-22
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 lines graph illustrates an information about percentage of the population in 4 Asian countries which resides in cities from 1970 to 2020 also predicting the future graph for 2030 and 2040.
overall, the proportion of population living in cities in Malaysia accounted significant proportion, however, the comparative data demonstrated exceptionally low ratio of Thailand in living population in city.
From the graph we can obstruct the following data; first of all we talk about Malaysia starting from 30 percent in 1970 and 80 percent in 2040. Philippines differ from 30 to 50 percentage from 1970 to 2040 whereas Thailand varies from 20 to 45 percent following this Indonesia shows variation from 15 to 60 percentage.
Therefore, we can conclude that Malaysia and Indonesia shows a great variation residing most people in cities on other hand Philippines and Thailand have not that much difference. At last the graph provides useful insights about following cites.
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 addresses the task by identifying the main trends, but the analysis is superficial and lacks precision. While you mention the starting and ending points for the countries, the data points are often inaccurate (e.g., Malaysia starting at 30% in 1970 is not supported by the graph). Furthermore, the overview is vague; saying Malaysia accounted for a 'significant proportion' is not a clear summary of the trend. To improve, you must ensure data accuracy and provide a more analytical comparison of the trends, such as noting that Indonesia experienced the most dramatic growth compared to the more stable growth of the Philippines.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or misused, such as 'From the graph we can obstruct the following data' (likely meant 'extract') and 'At last the graph provides useful insights'. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. To reach a higher band, focus on using linking words more naturally to connect your ideas and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus rather than jumping between countries without a logical structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains several errors in word choice and collocation. For instance, 'obstruct' is used incorrectly instead of 'extract' or 'observe', and 'residing most people' is grammatically awkward. Phrases like 'following cites' at the end are unclear and do not contribute to the task. You rely on basic vocabulary and struggle to use more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'surpassed', or 'plateaued'. Expanding your range of academic vocabulary and focusing on accurate collocations will significantly improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The lines graph illustrates an information' (incorrect article and noun usage), 'Philippines differ from 30 to 50 percentage' (subject-verb agreement and noun usage), and 'Malaysia and Indonesia shows' (subject-verb agreement). The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often marred by errors. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that your sentence structures are grammatically sound before attempting more complex forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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