Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-29
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 graph below illustrates data about the percentage of communities in four Asian countries living in urban areas from the year 1970 to 2020, with predictions for next twenty decades.
Overall, the population of Malaysia and Indonesia increases in the similar pattern. However, there is a nominal rise in the population of Philippines. On the other hand, the inhabitants of Thailand rises slightly.
Moreover, the residence of Philippines accounted for 30% in the start and after a marginal fall they rises up-to 55%. The population of Malaysia shows a steep rise suddenly while started from 30% and ends on 83%. Whereas, Thailand comprised of 31% in the beginning and after slight increase or decrease it reaches up-to 45%. Last but not least, the residence of Indonesia begins from 19% and climbs up-to 45% sharply.
Particularly, the above results depicts that Malaysia and Indonesia were more popular countries in the future.
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 for the four countries. However, the analysis is hampered by inaccurate data reporting. For instance, stating that Malaysia 'ends on 83%' is a misinterpretation of the graph, which shows predictions reaching 83% by 2040, not 2020. Furthermore, the term 'next twenty decades' is factually incorrect as the graph covers up to 2040. The overview is present but lacks clarity, and the conclusion is somewhat speculative rather than summarizing the data. To improve, ensure that data points are accurately extracted and that the distinction between historical data and future projections is clearly maintained.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or misused, such as 'Last but not least,' which is inappropriate for a data summary. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear; for example, the transition between countries in the second paragraph feels disjointed. The flow of information could be improved by grouping countries with similar trends together more effectively and using more precise linking phrases to connect the data points.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and occasionally inaccurate. The student uses 'communities' and 'residence' incorrectly to refer to the 'population' or 'urban dwellers.' Phrases like 'nominal rise' and 'marginal fall' are used, but the word choice is often imprecise, such as 'more popular countries' to describe urbanization levels. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'rises' and 'comprised,' which limits the ability to describe trends with precision. Expanding the range of vocabulary to include more specific terms for trends (e.g., 'fluctuated,' 'surged,' 'plateaued') would significantly enhance the quality of the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, such as 'the inhabitants of Thailand rises' and 'the above results depicts.' There are also tense inconsistencies, such as mixing past and present when describing historical data and future predictions. While there is an attempt to use complex sentence structures, they are often faulty, leading to awkward phrasing. Improving control over basic grammar, particularly verb tenses and subject-verb agreement, is essential for achieving a higher band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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