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 will 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 will 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 will 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 predictors say that it the population who live in cities will increased by 2040 at approximately 52% and 50%
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 all four countries and the time frame provided. You successfully identify the main trend of increasing urban populations. However, the report lacks precision in data reporting. For example, you mention Malaysia reaching 80% in 2020, whereas the graph shows this is a prediction for 2040. Additionally, the description of the Philippines and Thailand is somewhat confusing, particularly the claim that they both reached 50% and 25% by 1990, which does not align clearly with the visual data. To improve, ensure that data points are accurately transcribed and that comparisons between countries are more clearly delineated.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'move to 1990' or 'after that, the proportion of live in cities climb'. The progression of ideas is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing and run-on sentences, particularly in the final paragraph where the data for two countries is conflated. Using a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'in contrast', 'meanwhile') would help improve the flow between sentences and ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on repetitive phrasing such as 'the figure of people' and 'the population of living in cities'. There are also errors in word formation and collocation, such as 'the figure will increased' instead of 'the figure will increase' and 'the predictors say'. To reach a higher band, try to use more varied and precise terminology related to trends, such as 'urbanization rates', 'projected figures', or 'a steady upward trajectory'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
There is a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but the accuracy is inconsistent. You frequently struggle with verb tenses and subject-verb agreement, such as 'the figure will increased' and 'it was rose'. There are also issues with prepositions and articles, for example, 'in 1970 to 2020' should be 'from 1970 to 2020'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to distract the reader. Focusing on consistent tense usage for future predictions versus past data is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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