Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The line chart illustrates the population in percentage in four Asian countries: Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, which were lived in cities between the years 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that population in all four cities increased significantly throughout the period, despite a minimal fluctuation in trend of Philippines, with Malayasia accounted for the highest population and Thailand comprised the lowest population.

In 1970, the population of Malaysia was 30% that got doubled in 1980 and it continued to increase, finally reached at above 80%, making it the highest percentage. Similarly, population of Philippines started from 32% and increased significantly, reached at 50% before underwent a decline. It declined until 2010 and stood at almost 41% and then increased continuously throughout the period.

In addition, population of Indonesia increased dramatically from 15% to above 60%. In years 2030 and 2014, roughly 2% population will be increased. Finally, in 1970 the population of Thailand was 18%, it increased moderately and reached at 30% in 1990, After that, it almost remained stable at 30%. The population will climb at almost 45% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included the required timeframes, including the predictions. However, there are some inaccuracies in your reporting of the data. For instance, you state that Malaysia's population 'doubled in 1980' from 30% to 60%, but the graph shows it reached approximately 45%. Additionally, you mention '2014' as a future date, which is a typo for 2040. While the main features are highlighted, the precision of the data reporting needs improvement to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific countries. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Similarly', and 'Finally' to link ideas. However, the progression of ideas within the paragraphs is sometimes slightly disjointed. For example, the transition between the description of the Philippines and Indonesia could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally clear, but the overall flow would benefit from more varied cohesive markers to connect the sentences more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'fluctuation', 'dramatically', and 'moderately'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'population in percentage' instead of 'percentage of the population' and 'reached at above 80%' (the preposition 'at' is unnecessary here). While you attempt to use some descriptive language, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, and more precise academic phrasing would enhance the quality of your report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'which were lived in cities' (passive voice error), 'population of Malaysia was 30% that got doubled' (awkward relative clause), and 'before underwent a decline' (incorrect verb form). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding your meaning, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

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