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)
This image illustrates the proportion of population living in cities within these four Asian Countries Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from the period of 1970 to 2040 while anticipating it for the 2030 and 2040.
At the start Philippines had the highest percentage of people living in the cities while on the contrast Indonesia had the lowest. Malaysia had the second highest in 1970 with the percentage of 30 and Thailand with the third most, just below 20%. At 2040 Malaysia had been predicted to be at the top with 80% of the population while Indonesia at second with 60%. Philippines which had the highest proportion in 1970 is with 30% is now predicted to end up with 50% showing timid progress throughout the decades. Thailand is the country expected to have the least proportion among these with around 50%.
Throughout these years Indonesia and Malaysia has made a significant progress in accomplicing people into cities providing more opportunities for them. While on the other hand Philippines who had the edge among these countries with already a great percentage couldn't facilitate their citizens in the right way. Thailand had a timid progress throughout the decades with just a straight line seen in the image although they have shown a slight upward curve in the last 6 years.
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 the main features of the graph, including the starting points in 1970 and the projected figures for 2040. However, the analysis is somewhat inconsistent. For instance, the claim that Thailand has 'timid progress' and a 'straight line' is inaccurate, as the data shows a clear upward trend. Additionally, the interpretation of the Philippines' growth as 'timid' is subjective and lacks a neutral, analytical tone. While the key trends are identified, the summary would benefit from more precise data reporting and a more objective tone to fully meet the requirements for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into three paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. There is a logical progression from the initial data to the future projections. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'while on the contrast' and 'while on the other hand'. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the comparisons more fluidly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe trends and make comparisons. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'anticipating' and 'facilitate', though these are not always used in the most natural way. Some word choices are imprecise, such as 'accomplicing' (likely meant 'accommodating') and 'timid progress'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of the report. To improve, the student should focus on using more accurate collocations for describing statistical trends.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('Indonesia and Malaysia has made') and awkward phrasing ('Philippines which had the highest proportion in 1970 is with 30% is now predicted'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence structure is occasionally clunky, which affects the overall readability. While the meaning is clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Increasing the variety of error-free complex structures would be beneficial.
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