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 line chart illustrates the information about proportion of the population in four different Asian countries who have been living from 1970 to 2020. Predictions believes for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, Philippines recorded the highest share of population which will live in cities area, while Malaysia will have been experienced fluctuation. Thailand and Indonesia have the lowest share of the population living in cities.
To begin with, Philippines accounted for the highest proportion, which was over 30% in 1970. It will increase to 60% in 2040. Malaysia had the second largest share of population which was living in cities at 30% in 1970, but predication is it will become the greatest proportion in 2040 with 80%.
Turning to the next details, Thailand was stood at approximately 20% in 1970, it will rise to 40% inn 2040. Furthermore, Indonesia had the lowest share of population which was living in cities at 15% in 1970, this trend will surge to 60% in 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying trends for all four countries. However, the overview is slightly inaccurate; for instance, the claim that Malaysia will experience 'fluctuation' is not supported by the data, which shows a steady upward trend. Additionally, some data points are misinterpreted, such as the statement that the Philippines will reach 60% in 2040, whereas the graph indicates a higher figure. While the main trends are identified, the lack of precision in reporting data and the inclusion of an inaccurate overview limit the score. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trends (e.g., the general upward trajectory for all countries) and double-check data points against the visual information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'To begin with', 'Turning to the next details', and 'Furthermore', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the logical flow within paragraphs is occasionally hindered by grammatical errors. The referencing is generally clear, but the connection between the overview and the supporting details could be more tightly integrated. Overall, the structure is sufficient to follow the writer's intent, but the progression of ideas would benefit from more sophisticated linking words and better paragraph unity.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe trends using terms like 'proportion', 'share', 'increase', and 'surge'. However, there are instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'Predictions believes' and 'Thailand was stood at'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to data description, such as 'climb steadily', 'projected to reach', or 'a significant growth', and focus on using these terms in their correct grammatical context.
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. Examples include 'Predictions believes for 2030', 'Philippines recorded the highest share... which will live in cities area', and 'Thailand was stood at'. Subject-verb agreement and tense usage (e.g., 'will have been experienced') are inconsistent. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents a higher score. Focusing on consistent tense usage—particularly for future projections—and ensuring correct verb forms will significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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