Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-26

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 depicts the information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries between 1970 and 2020 with prediction for 2030 and 2040.

Overall,it is clear that the population of Malaysia is significantly growing througout the period. In contrast, Philipines population is fluctuating till 2040. However, Indonesia population is increasing lightly.

In 1970, Population of Malaysia was only 30% and its remained till 1980. After that, it is significantly grew and i will be reach at 80% at the end of 2040. Thailand had 15 % population in 1970, this grew slowly and will reach to 45% of population till 2040.

Thailand population in 1970 was about 19% , they fluctuate througout the period and they will reach to 45% of population till 2040. In the Philipines, amout of citizens was 32% in 1970, However, they will face the minor increase which accounts for 55% at the end of 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the task by identifying the main trends, but the data reporting is inconsistent and contains factual inaccuracies. For instance, you mention Malaysia remained at 30% until 1980, whereas the graph shows a clear upward trend. Additionally, you provide contradictory information about Thailand, mentioning it twice with different starting figures. While you cover all four countries, the lack of precision in data extraction and the inclusion of conflicting information prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference your descriptions with the visual data and avoid repeating information for the same country.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is hindered by the repetition of information regarding Thailand and the confusing transition between sentences. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In contrast' and 'However', but they are sometimes used incorrectly or in a way that does not accurately reflect the relationship between the ideas. The overall flow is somewhat mechanical, and the referencing of data points is not always clear, which impacts the coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely on basic verbs like 'grew' and 'reach' throughout the text. There are also errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'Philipines' (Philippines), 'througout' (throughout), and 'amout' (amount). While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and the presence of spelling errors limit the score. To improve, try to incorporate more precise reporting verbs and nouns related to trends, such as 'climb', 'plateau', or 'proportion'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'its remained till 1980' (it remained), 'it is significantly grew' (it grew significantly), and 'i will be reach' (it will reach). Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are problematic throughout the text. While the errors do not completely prevent communication, they are frequent enough to suggest a lack of control over basic grammatical structures.

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

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