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 line chart illustrates changes in percentage of the population living in urban among 4 asian countries from 1970 to 2040.

Looking first at Malaysia, the figure stood at 30 % of total population in 1970. It then increased gradually every year and it will be reach at 80 percentage of total population in 2040. Meanwhile, Philipines population started same with 30 percent same as Malaysia at the beginning and fluctuated throughout the time period.

Turning to the Thailand, the figure stood at 19 % of total population initially. It then rose till 1990 at 30 % and it was stable for next decade, and again the percentage of total population started rising up and it will be at 45 % in 2040. Similarly, Indonesia percentage of the population living in cities at 13 % at starting and after every decades it increased and at the end of the time period the percentage will be 60 %.

Overall, it is clear that the population in Malaysia cities increased significantly, while Philipines population fluctuated througout the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all four countries and the time frame provided. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the steady growth in Malaysia and the fluctuations in the Philippines. However, the overview is somewhat limited; while you mention Malaysia and the Philippines, you omit the overall trend of urbanisation across all four nations. To reach a higher band, ensure the overview synthesises the data rather than just repeating specific details. Additionally, some data points are slightly inaccurate or phrased awkwardly, such as 'it will be reach at 80 percentage', which hinders the clarity of the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs for the countries, and a summary. You use some cohesive devices like 'Meanwhile', 'Turning to', and 'Similarly' to link ideas. However, the progression within paragraphs is sometimes mechanical. For instance, the transition between sentences in the Thailand paragraph feels a bit repetitive. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking phrases to connect the data points more fluidly rather than relying on simple chronological sequencing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuated', 'initially', and 'significantly'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and minor errors, such as 'living in urban' (should be 'urban areas') and 'at starting' (should be 'at the start'). The repetition of 'percentage of total population' throughout the text makes the writing feel less sophisticated. To improve, try to use synonyms like 'proportion', 'share', or 'urban dwellers' to avoid repetitive phrasing and demonstrate a more flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'it will be reach at 80 percentage' (incorrect verb form and preposition), 'Philipines population started same with 30 percent' (missing article and awkward phrasing), and 'after every decades' (subject-verb agreement error). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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