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 chart illustrates how many people living in cities of four Asian countries between 1972 to 2020, with predicting the year of 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it can be seen that the number of people living in the cities of Malaysia and Indonesia has the largest proportion, while Philippines and Thailand have some fluctuation over the period.
Looking at the chart in more detail, it is evident that the number of people who lives in Philippines starts with 32% and increased with 49%, by 1990, then after a dramatic fall it rose to 55%, by the prediction of 2040. One the other hand, Malaysia has the largest proportion begin with 30% in 1970 and soared to 86% in 2040's prediction.
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 fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. Furthermore, the content is incomplete; you have only described two of the four countries (Philippines and Malaysia), completely omitting Indonesia and Thailand. While you have identified some main features, the lack of coverage for all data points and the failure to reach the length requirement prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you provide a comprehensive overview of all categories presented in the graph and expand your analysis to meet the minimum length.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay has a basic structure with an introduction and an overview, but the body paragraph is underdeveloped. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall' and 'On the other hand', but the progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of information regarding the other two countries. The paragraphing is logical, but the overall flow is limited by the brevity of the response. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words to connect your comparisons and ensure each country is given sufficient attention in its own section or grouped logically.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with some attempts at descriptive language like 'soared' and 'dramatic fall'. However, there are inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'with predicting the year' instead of 'including predictions for the years'. The range is somewhat limited, and the repetition of basic structures restricts the ability to demonstrate more sophisticated lexical control. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained stable', or 'reached a peak'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are several grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. For example, 'how many people living' should be 'how many people lived', and 'the number of people who lives' contains a subject-verb agreement error. The use of prepositions is also inconsistent, such as 'increased with 49%'. While some complex structures are attempted, they are often marred by these errors. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing statistical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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