Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-03

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 data compares the information about the proportion of the population in four different Asian countries living in the urban areas between 1970 and 2020, and predicts the population percentage for 2030 and 2040.

At a glance, it is clear the overall population percentage in the cities increases considerably. Additionally, population of Malaysia experienced a significant growth in the given timeframe.

Looking at the line graph in detail, between 1970 to 2020, overall all four countries showed a similar upward trend. In 1970, more than 30% of their people lived in cities in Malaysia. The figure reached to roughly 75% by 2020. In Phillippines 30% of their total population lived in cities. Then the figure fluctuated, before reaching nearly 50%. Indonesian people showed a significant surge starting from 12% and finising at more than 50% in 2020. However, Thiland showd a gradual incease reached to 30% from 19% in 1970.

Regarding the future predection, Malaysia will reach to more than 80% in 2040. While others will be accounted for less

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the graph, including the overall trend and specific data points for the four countries. You successfully identified the upward trend and highlighted the significant growth in Malaysia. However, the summary of the future predictions is underdeveloped. You mention that Malaysia will reach 80% but dismiss the other countries as 'less' without providing specific data or meaningful comparisons. To reach a higher band, ensure that all parts of the prompt are addressed with equal detail, particularly the projected figures for 2030 and 2040, which are a key component of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At a glance', 'Additionally', and 'Regarding' helps guide the reader through the information. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the final paragraph is abrupt, lacking a clear concluding thought or a more detailed synthesis of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the progression of ideas is generally clear, though the connection between the historical data and the future predictions could be smoother.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'significant growth', 'upward trend', and 'fluctuated'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'Phillippines', 'Thiland', 'showd', 'incease', and 'predection', which detract from the overall quality. Additionally, some phrasing is slightly awkward, such as 'finising at' and 'will be accounted for less'. To improve, focus on accuracy in spelling and more precise collocations when describing trends and data points.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('in Phillippines'), incorrect verb forms ('showd', 'incease'), and awkward preposition usage ('reach to' instead of 'reach'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding the main points. To achieve a higher band, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions with verbs of change.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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