Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graph depicts the information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries between 1970 and 2020 with predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it is clear that the population of Malaysia is significantly growing throughout the period. In contrast the Philippines population is fluctuating till 2040. However, Indonesia's population is increasing slightly.
In 1970, the population of Malaysia was only 30% and it remained stable till 1980. After that, it will significantly grow and will reach 80% at the end of 2040. Indonesia had 15 % population in 1970, this will grow slowly and will reach to 45% of population till 2040.
Thailand's population in 1970 was about 19% , it fluctuated throughout the period and it will reach 45% of population till 2040. In the Philippines,the numbers of citizens was 32% in 1970. However, they will face the significant increase which accounts for 55% at the end of 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and the time frame provided. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. The overview is inaccurate; for instance, stating the Philippines population is 'fluctuating' is incorrect based on the data, which shows a clear upward trend. Additionally, the report relies heavily on listing data points rather than synthesising the information to highlight key trends or significant comparisons. The use of future tense ('will grow') is inappropriate for a report on a graph that includes historical data and projections; it should be framed as a description of the data presented.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In 1970', 'After that', 'However'). The progression of ideas within paragraphs is a bit disjointed, as the sentences often feel like a list of isolated facts rather than a cohesive narrative. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of sophisticated linking words limits the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. Phrases like 'significantly growing' and 'increase which accounts for' are used, but there is a reliance on basic descriptors. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'numbers of citizens was', which should be 'percentage of the population'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility or precision required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with tense usage, such as 'it will significantly grow' and 'this will grow slowly', which are inappropriate for describing a graph that includes past data. There are also minor punctuation and article errors, such as '15 %' (spacing) and 'the Philippines,the numbers'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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