Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-11
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 graph below shows the information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries. The four Asian countries were living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with prediction for 2030 and 2040.
The highest percentage of the population living in cities are in Malaysia. That is followed by Indonesia. The lowest percentage of the population living in cities are in Thailand and Philippines.
In 1970 to 2020, the highest percentage of the population living in cities was in Malaysia and Indonesia. About Malaysia with 75% and Indonesia with almost 50%. The lowest percentage was in Thailand and Philippines with about 45% in Philippines and 30% in Thailand.
In the future, this percentage would rise dramatically with the highest in Malysia and Indonesia about 85% in Malaysia and 60 % in Indonesia. The lowest will be in Philippines and Thailand about 50
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you identify the main trends, the analysis is superficial and lacks the necessary detail to fully address the task. You mention the countries and the general trend of rising percentages, but you fail to provide a clear overview or highlight key comparative features effectively. The data points provided are sometimes vague or incomplete, such as the final sentence which cuts off abruptly. To improve, ensure you provide a comprehensive summary that includes a clear overview of the trends and specific data points for the beginning, middle, and end of the period, while ensuring the response meets the minimum length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into short paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link ideas, making the writing feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive report. For example, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is abrupt. The use of referencing is also limited, and the progression of ideas is not always clear. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'consequently') to connect your sentences and paragraphs, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus, such as grouping countries by their growth patterns or comparing them at specific time intervals.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is repetitive and basic. You frequently use the same phrases, such as 'percentage of the population living in cities', which could be paraphrased as 'urbanization rates' or 'the proportion of city dwellers'. There are also minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'Malysia' instead of 'Malaysia'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'remained steady', 'surpassed', or 'projected to reach', and ensure you check your spelling carefully before submitting.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies on simple sentence structures, and there are frequent grammatical errors. For instance, 'The highest percentage... are in Malaysia' should be 'is in Malaysia' (subject-verb agreement). There are also issues with punctuation and sentence completion, particularly in the final sentence, which is incomplete. The lack of complex structures limits your ability to demonstrate grammatical control. To improve, practice using a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions (e.g., 'While Malaysia experienced a steady rise, Thailand saw a more gradual increase'). Pay close attention to subject-verb agreement and ensure all sentences are complete.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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