Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-07
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 graph illustrates the proportion of the population in four Asian countries namely Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia living in urban areas between 1970 and 2020, with predications for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, population in cities increased in all four nations over the period. Malaysia even with marginally lower than Philippines in the year 1970, grown up constantly and predicted to become highest population in the end of given time period. While, Indonesia despite being with lowest figure experienced the most dramatic growth in the year 2000.
Looking into the details, in the year 1970 Philippines had the highest residents nearly 30%, closely with Malaysia at 30%. But over the time
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the ability to fully address the task. While you have identified some main features, such as the overall upward trend and the starting positions of the countries, the analysis is incomplete. The response cuts off abruptly mid-sentence, failing to provide a comprehensive overview or detailed comparisons of the data trends for all countries. To improve, you must ensure you complete the task by describing all key data points and trends, and you must meet the minimum word count to avoid a heavy penalty.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some attempt at logical organization by using an introductory sentence and an overview paragraph. However, the abrupt ending makes it impossible to assess the overall progression of the text. Cohesive devices are used in a basic way (e.g., 'Overall', 'While', 'Looking into the details'), but the lack of completion prevents the development of a coherent structure. To improve, ensure that your paragraphs are fully developed and that you use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas smoothly throughout the entire report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'proportion', 'urban areas', and 'dramatic growth'. However, there are some awkward phrasings and word choice errors, such as 'grown up constantly' (should be 'grew steadily') and 'being with lowest figure' (should be 'having the lowest figure'). The range of vocabulary is limited by the brevity of the response. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure your word choices are grammatically accurate in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect clarity. Examples include 'Malaysia even with marginally lower than Philippines' (missing articles and comparative structure) and 'predicted to become highest population' (missing 'the'). Punctuation is also inconsistent. The incomplete nature of the sentences makes it difficult to judge your control over complex structures. Focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and ensuring that your sentences are complete and grammatically sound.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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