Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The graph provides information about the proportion of the population in four Asian nations living in urban from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the most noticeable feature is that Malaysia is the only nation have more population in the future. Whereas other nations are not will face more population. Philippines ,Thailand and Indonesia are gradually rise slight in each country.

Initial stage in 1970 Malaysia and Philippines were had maximum population at 30 percent. Therefore the least number of percent presented for Thailand and Indonesia at below 20 percent approximately. Malaysia was sudden peak at 1990 at above 40% and in upcoming decades it would have a chance at above 80% in the future.

On the other hand Philippines and Indonesia were the grew from 1990 at above 40 percentage afterwards slowly rose from 2000 till 2020. In contrast in the future decades both the countries will have 55% and 65% respectively. In addition Thailand was gradually peak at from 2010 ,although in future it would have 40

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the trends for all four countries. However, the overview is confusing and inaccurate, as it incorrectly states that Malaysia is the only country with a future population increase. The data interpretation is also flawed; for example, the claim that Malaysia had a 'sudden peak' in 1990 is not supported by the graph, and the description of Thailand's future projection is incomplete (ending at '40'). While the key trends are identified, the lack of precision in reporting figures and the inaccurate summary of the overall trend prevent a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is frequently interrupted by grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the other hand' and 'In contrast', but they are often applied incorrectly or do not logically connect the ideas. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the data. The final sentence is incomplete, which further disrupts the coherence of the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. There are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'living in urban' instead of 'living in urban areas' and 'gradually rise slight' instead of 'a slight gradual rise'. The student struggles to use precise terminology for describing trends, often relying on basic verbs like 'grew' or 'peak' in ways that are grammatically incorrect. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic message, but the lack of precision and the persistent errors in word form limit the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede clarity. There are significant issues with verb tenses ('were had', 'are not will face'), subject-verb agreement ('Malaysia is the only nation have'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary articles and prepositions. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, these are almost always faulty, leading to a lack of control over basic grammar. The high frequency of errors throughout the text is a major concern.

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