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 graph illustrates the percentage of population from 1970 to 2020 living in cities in four Asian countries along with the predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the noticeable feature is that the number of population in Malaysia shows drastic increase in 2040. Whereas, the number of population in Philippines shows fluctuations and has also increased in 2040.

In detail, the number of population in Indonesia started around 10% in year 1970 and was at its peak at 60% in year 2040. While, the number of population in Thailand started around 20% in year 1970 and showed moderate growth around 40% in year 2040.

However, the number of population in Malaysia started at 30% in year 1970 and showed utmost in year 2040 which was 80%. Followed by, the number of population in Philippines started at 30% in year 1970 showed variations which had rise to 60% in the same year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers all four countries and mentions the start and end points. However, the analysis is superficial and lacks a clear overview of the trends. The description of the data is often inaccurate; for instance, stating that the Philippines reached 60% 'in the same year' (referring to 1970) is factually incorrect based on the graph. Furthermore, the report fails to effectively compare the countries, instead listing them individually. To improve, you should group the countries by their growth patterns (e.g., those with steady growth versus those with more rapid acceleration) and ensure the data points cited are precise and correctly attributed to the years provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inappropriate. Phrases like 'In detail' and 'Followed by' are used awkwardly, and the transition between sentences feels disjointed. The logical progression is hindered by the repetitive structure of the sentences, which all follow a similar pattern of 'the number of population in [Country] started at X and ended at Y'. To improve, vary your sentence structures and use a wider range of linking words to show relationships between the data points, such as 'while,' 'in contrast,' or 'subsequently.'

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. The phrase 'the number of population' is used in almost every sentence, which is not only redundant but also imprecise; 'the percentage of the population' or 'urbanization rates' would be more accurate. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or an attempt to use precise academic vocabulary. Words like 'utmost' are used incorrectly in this context. To reach a higher band, focus on using synonyms for 'increase' (e.g., 'climb,' 'surge,' 'rise') and learn to describe trends using more sophisticated terminology like 'projected to reach' or 'a significant upward trend.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are few major errors that impede communication, the lack of complex sentence forms limits the score. There are minor grammatical issues, such as 'the number of population in Malaysia shows drastic increase' (missing an article: 'a drastic increase') and 'showed variations which had rise to 60%' (incorrect verb form: 'had risen'). To improve, practice combining simple sentences into complex ones using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions. Ensure you pay attention to articles and verb tenses when describing past and future data.

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

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