Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The given chart illustrates the information about the population percentage in four asian countries ( philippines, malaysia, thailand, indonesia) living in cities from 1970 to 2020, in addition to that, it also provides with prediction for 2030 and 2040.

Overall all four countries show an upward trend in urban population throughout the period. malaysia expericed the fastest growth rate and it projected to maintain the highest growth in the population of the country whereas, thailand remained at the lowest comparitively to the other countries.

in 1970, approximately 30% of malasyian population lived in cities, and it rose gradually, reaching almost under 80% population in 2020. Predictions shows more growth in urban areas in coming years, reaching almost 90% population moving to big cities. comparitively, indonesia stood lowest at 12-15%, it also increased significantly and rose upto 50%. According to predictions, the population grew over 60%.

Similarly, philippines was recorded to have 30% of population living in cities in 1970. It remained stable for a while, and incresed in 1990, reaching 50%. There was a steady decline in population by the year 2010, then there was a dramatic increase in residents, which was recorded to be at 45% in 2020. Moreover, thailandstarted at second lowest, kept increasing. the number of population reached the peak in 1990, where it stood at almost under 30%. and grew gradually, reaching 30% by 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all four countries and the time frame provided. However, the analysis of the data is inconsistent and contains factual inaccuracies. For instance, you state that Indonesia started at 12-15% and rose to 50%, while the graph shows it starting significantly lower and ending closer to 60%. Furthermore, the description of the Philippines' trend is confusing, mentioning a 'steady decline' that is not clearly supported by the visual data. To improve, ensure you carefully cross-reference your descriptions with the graph to avoid misreporting figures. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in data reporting limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally misused, such as 'in addition to that, it also provides with prediction'. There are also issues with paragraphing logic; the body paragraphs are somewhat cluttered, making it difficult to distinguish between the trends of the four countries. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'conversely', 'meanwhile', 'subsequently') and ensuring each paragraph focuses on a clear thematic grouping would enhance the flow and logical progression of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'upward trend', 'projected', and 'dramatic increase'. However, there are several spelling errors (e.g., 'malasyian', 'expericed', 'thailandstarted') and minor word-choice inaccuracies, such as 'provides with prediction' instead of 'provides predictions'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, but the frequent spelling mistakes and lack of more sophisticated collocations prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for spelling and learning topic-specific collocations will help elevate your lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'in 1970, approximately 30% of malasyian population'), incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'Predictions shows'), and punctuation errors, such as starting sentences with lowercase letters. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to be distracting. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent use of articles, and ensuring that all sentences begin with a capital letter.

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