Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-31

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 illustrates gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is clear that Malaysia had the highest number percent of population while Thailand had the lowest percent of population. In addition, there was a significant difference between most and least popular living city.

Looking at the details, that Malaysia stood at 80 percent of population. It fellowed by Indonesia with 60 percent of population which was slightly lower than Malaysia.

In comparison, that Philippines had 50 percent of population while Thailand had 45 percent of population. It figure was higher than with Thailand.

Overall, Malaysia was the most popular in percent of population while Thailand was most common percent of population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the graph, the analysis is very limited. You have not described the trends over time (1970–2020) or the future predictions (2030–2040), which are essential components of the task. The data provided is also inaccurate and lacks the necessary detail to support a full summary. To improve, you must describe the changes over the entire period for each country rather than just stating a single figure, and ensure you meet the minimum length requirement to avoid a penalty.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into short paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as 'In addition' and 'In comparison', which do not effectively link the sentences to create a logical flow. The referencing is also unclear; for example, 'It figure was higher than with Thailand' is confusing and lacks proper cohesion. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the data logically.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. You frequently use the phrase 'percent of population' throughout the text, which is unnatural and redundant. There are also errors in word choice, such as 'popular living city' and 'fellowed' (instead of 'followed'). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the information with precision. To improve, try to use synonyms and more varied ways to describe data, such as 'proportion of urban dwellers' or 'urbanization rates', and focus on using collocations correctly to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with sentence structure, such as 'The line graph illustrates gives information', where two verbs are used incorrectly. You also struggle with subject-verb agreement and article usage, for example, 'that Malaysia stood at' and 'It figure was higher'. The range of structures is limited to simple sentences, with no successful attempts at complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and proofreading your work to eliminate these persistent errors.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.