Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-04

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 information about the population of cities in different Asian countries in terms of percentage from the year 1970 to 2020 and also gives predictions for the next two decades.

Overall, the proportion of people living in cities in Malaysia increased incredibly over the 50 years and is expected to continue increasing in the next years as well. While on the other hand, the percentage of the Philippines' city population relatively increased the least from 1970 to 2020 as compared to other countries.

The chart shows that Malaysian cities' growth will increase from 30 to 80 percent of the total population, which is a significant number. In 1970, Indonesia's city population was only 15 percent of the total population, but it relatively increased much higher and went to almost 60 percent. And there is an assumption that it will further go upward.

The city inhabitants' percentage in 1970 consisted of 30 percent of the total, but the graph shows that it sometimes boosted up, like in 1990, but after that it gradually decreased as well, and the trend continues. It is assumed that it will grow after 2020. The last country is Thailand, where you can see that the proportion in 1970 just consisted of almost 20 percent of the total country population, and when it comes to 2020, it went to 30 percent and will be 40 percent in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview. You covered all four countries and included the required timeframes. However, the response lacks precision in data reporting. For instance, you mention the Philippines' population 'increased the least' without providing specific figures to support this comparison. Additionally, the description of the third country is vague as you do not name it, which makes the report difficult to follow. To improve, ensure that every trend described is backed by specific data points from the graph and clearly identify each entity being discussed to ensure the reader can follow your analysis without needing to refer back to the original image.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'and' to start sentences or connect clauses. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is clear, but the internal flow within the third paragraph is slightly disjointed. Referencing is also problematic in the third paragraph, where you refer to 'The last country' and 'The city inhabitants' percentage' without clearly naming the country, which disrupts the logical progression of the information. Using a wider variety of linking words would improve the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'proportion', 'significant', and 'gradually'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'boosted up' is not standard academic English for describing graph trends; 'fluctuated' or 'rose sharply' would be more appropriate. Similarly, 'went to' is too informal for a report. You rely on basic descriptors like 'increased' and 'grow' multiple times. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to trends, such as 'surged', 'plateaued', or 'a steady climb', and ensure that your word choices are consistently formal.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For example, 'in terms of percentage from the year 1970 to 2020' is slightly awkward, and 'it relatively increased much higher' is grammatically incorrect; 'it increased at a higher rate' would be better. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding your message, they are frequent enough to limit your score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and refining your use of comparative structures will help improve your accuracy.

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

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