Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-06

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 5.0)

THE line chart provides the information about the population in Philippines, Malaysia , Thailand , Indonesia from 1970 to 2020 with a prediction for 2030 to 2040.

Overall , Malaysia accounted for the highest population in 1970 , followed by Philippines. respectively. By contrast , Thailand and Indonesia both were held lowest figures in Total Population percentage. All four countries predicted for dramatically increase throughout the period .

Malaysia by far at 30% and Philippines slightly higher around 31%, In Contrast , Thailand and Indonesia just at approximately 18% and 13% . Over the period all countries Population percentage were inclined .

First Philippines population percentage showed some increment and Growth , after some time during 1990 its illustrate some decline.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement. While you identify the main trends, the description is incomplete and lacks a detailed analysis of the data points provided in the graph. You mention the starting figures but fail to describe the projected trends for 2030 and 2040 in any meaningful way. The overview is present but lacks sufficient detail to fully satisfy the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, ensure you provide a comprehensive summary that covers the entire timeframe and includes specific data comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks a clear logical structure. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the ideas within the paragraphs are disjointed and lack effective cohesive devices to link sentences. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraph is abrupt. The use of linking words like 'In Contrast' and 'First' is somewhat mechanical and does not always reflect the logical flow of the data. To improve, focus on grouping related information together and using a wider range of cohesive devices to guide the reader through your analysis.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms such as 'increase', 'decline', and 'figures'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'held lowest figures' and 'population percentage were inclined'. The use of 'respectively' is grammatically incorrect in the context of your sentence structure. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuate', 'climb', 'plateau', or 'projected to reach', and ensure that your word choices are contextually appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'All four countries predicted for dramatically increase' (should be 'are predicted to increase dramatically') and 'its illustrate some decline' (should be 'it illustrates a decline'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage for predictions, and practice constructing more complex sentences using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions.

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

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