Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-02
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 given graph illustrates the information about the percentage of people of four asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, also give predictions for 2030 and 2040.
People of Indonesia and Malaysia living in cities from 1970 to 2020 was shown a steady growth in percentage and also maintain it in 2030 and 2040. However, people of Thailand in cities increased in first decade, but was little or no increase till 2020, as graph displays must have growth in future. On the other hand, Philippines also showed zigzag line, increased in one decade and than gradual descrease and increase over the decades.
Population of Malaysia and Indonesia increased from 1970 to 2020 as 30 to nearly 80 and less than 20 to nealy 50 percents respectiviely and also show that progress in future, Malaysian popultion living in cities will grow over 80 percent by 2040 and Indonesian cities population will touch 60 percent in 2040. Thailand urban population increased nearly 10 percent from 1970 to 1990, but after this showed very less increase mostly remained stable. In contrast, their population will increase in future and gain nearly 20 percent at the end of 2040. Philippines cities population remained almost stable in first decade, increased in next decade and reached nearly 50 percent, as gradually decreased in next years and reached less than 50 percent. In future, citizens will increase but with slow pace and will climb above 50 percent in 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and the time periods provided. However, the analysis is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the main trends. While you identify growth, the description of the data is often imprecise (e.g., 'zigzag line' or 'very less increase'). To reach a higher band, you should synthesize the information more effectively by grouping countries with similar trends rather than describing each one individually. The data points mentioned are generally accurate, but the lack of a distinct summary paragraph prevents a higher score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and limited use of cohesive devices. Transitions like 'On the other hand' and 'In contrast' are used, but the flow between sentences is often choppy. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the future predictions. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly improve the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'zigzag line' and 'very less increase'. Additionally, there are spelling errors like 'descrease' and 'respectiviely'. You rely on basic verbs like 'increased' and 'showed' throughout the text. To improve, you should incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'plateaued', or 'projected', and ensure greater accuracy in word choice and spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'people of Indonesia and Malaysia... was shown'), incorrect article usage, and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'as graph displays must have growth in future'). Punctuation is also inconsistent. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article placement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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