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 illustration shows information about people living in cities in four Asian countries form 1970 to 2040. Overall, Philippines cities population will less increased as compared
It is quite evident from the graph that in 1970, the population living in cities of the Philippines was about 30 percent, and that was the highest number among countries and also Malaysia's urban population was around equal to the Philippines. But Indonesia's urban population was the lowest number in the graph. In 2020, with the passage of time, the Indonesian urban population increased to reach about 50 percent.
Furthermore, in 2040, it is expected that the Thailand urban population will be the least number in the graph, and Indonesia will take the second number with 60 percent of the population. But Malaysia's city inhabitants will get the highest number around 85 percent.
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified some main features, the overview is incomplete and grammatically broken, failing to provide a clear summary of the trends. The data selection is somewhat selective, and the analysis lacks the depth required for a higher band. Specifically, the comparison between countries is underdeveloped, and the failure to complete the introductory sentence leaves the reader without a clear understanding of the scope of the data. To improve, ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed and provide a more comprehensive overview of the trends across the entire period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by the incomplete opening sentence and abrupt transitions. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'Furthermore' and 'In 2020', the connection between ideas is often mechanical or unclear. The referencing is sometimes confusing, such as the mention of 'the lowest number in the graph' without clearly contrasting it against the other countries' trajectories. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus would help create a more professional and coherent structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'lowest number in the graph' and 'highest number' are used repeatedly, which restricts the range of expression. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'Philippines cities population will less increased' and 'take the second number'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider variety of synonyms for 'increase' (e.g., 'climb', 'surge', 'grow') and more precise terminology for describing statistical data, such as 'proportion', 'urbanization rate', or 'projected figures'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. The first paragraph is incomplete, and there are frequent issues with sentence structure, such as 'Philippines cities population will less increased' and 'Malaysia's city inhabitants will get the highest number'. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the control over basic grammar, including articles and verb tenses, is inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of comparative structures. Practicing the construction of complex sentences will also help you demonstrate a wider grammatical range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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