Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-01
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 illustrates the percentage of population in four Asian countries living in cities in 1970 to 2020.
Overall, in all the four countries people choose to live in cities, so the figure of people who live in cities was increased from 1970 to 2020 and they also predict, the figure was increased more in future. In addition, Malaysia had most people who live in cities.
In 1970, Malaysia had 30% of population who live in cities, move to 1990 the population was little increased into 40%, it markedly rose to almost 72% in 2020 and they predict that the trend was increased by around 80% in 2020. Moreover, in Indonesia the population of living in cities was only 12% after that, the proportion of live in cities climb to 22% in 1990, by 2020 it was reported at almost 50% and they expect in 2040 the population was increased into almost 60%.
In Philippines and Thailand the population was 30% and 19% in 1970 by 1990 it increased in both to 50% and 25% however, Philippines experienced little decline in 2010 at 40% but in Thailand it was rose to 30% and the pridictors
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 the main features of the graph, including the overall upward trend and the leading position of Malaysia. However, the report is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence at the end. While the key data points are identified, the analysis lacks depth in comparing the countries effectively. The inclusion of predictions is a positive step, but the data interpretation is occasionally inaccurate (e.g., the claim that Malaysia would reach 80% in 2020, which contradicts the graph). The response would benefit from a more structured approach to grouping the data to highlight trends rather than listing figures chronologically.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in' and 'by'. The progression of ideas is hindered by the abrupt ending of the text, which leaves the final comparison unfinished. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the trends in different countries more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'increased', 'rose', and 'climb'. Some word choices are awkward or incorrect, such as 'the figure of people who live in cities' instead of 'the urban population' and 'pridictors' (likely a misspelling of 'predictions'). To improve, you should incorporate more sophisticated terminology related to data description, such as 'proportion', 'percentage', 'fluctuated', or 'projected'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'in 1970 to 2020' (should be 'from 1970 to 2020'), 'Malaysia had most people' (should be 'the highest percentage'), and 'in Thailand it was rose' (should be 'it rose'). Tense usage is inconsistent, particularly when discussing future predictions. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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