Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The line graph provides data about the proportion of the population in Four different regions occupy in cities from 1970 to 2020, with assuming for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, the population of Malaysia is significantly high over the period given, whereas Thailand is the lowest position. While, Philippines and Indonesia has a small gap at the start, and at last they also ended up with a small difference.
In terms of proportion, the population of Malaysia started by 30% in 1970 and then rose steadily around 45% in 1990, and then increased substantially by 80% in 2040. In comparison, Philippines also start at the same position by 30%, and then fluctuated slightly and ended up by 50% in 2040.
In contrast, Thailand and Indonesia started around 10% to 20% comparatively, and then increased slightly around 25% in 1990, while Indonesia is growing significantly around by 45% at the end, and Thailand is gradually rise but ended up at the lowest around 35% in 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends and making comparisons between the four countries. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the statement that Malaysia rose 'around 45% in 1990' and 'substantially by 80% in 2040' is slightly inaccurate based on the visual data, and the description of the starting points for Thailand and Indonesia is vague. While the main features are highlighted, the reporting of data points could be more precise to ensure the summary is fully accurate. The overview provides a general summary, but it could be more effectively integrated to highlight the most significant trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In terms of proportion,' 'In comparison,' and 'In contrast,' which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'while Indonesia is growing significantly around by 45% at the end.' The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved to create a more cohesive narrative. Overall, the information is arranged in a coherent manner that allows the reader to follow the progression of the data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, with attempts to use descriptive terms like 'fluctuated,' 'substantially,' and 'proportion.' However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and awkward collocations, such as 'assuming for 2030' (instead of 'projections') and 'occupy in cities' (instead of 'living in cities'). The phrase 'lowest position' is also slightly unnatural in this context. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text, such as 'Philippines and Indonesia has a small gap' (subject-verb agreement), 'started by 30%' (preposition error), and 'Thailand is gradually rise' (verb form error). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to suggest a lack of control over more complex structures. Punctuation is generally functional, but the overall grammatical accuracy needs improvement to reach a higher band.
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.