Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-12
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 infographic line graph demonstrates the data about the percentage of the population in four asian nations living in towns between 1970 to 2020.
Overall, two cities follow the constant increase in given time, while rest of two cities fluctuate betwwen 1970 to 2020, with guessworkvfor 2030 and 2024 as well.
Malaysia had 30% of population in starting year. after 1970, the population increased marginally to around 45% in 1990. Then the population increased dramatically by 75% in 2020. After 2020, population will rise costantly to almost 80% till 2040. While, Indonesia had 12% of population in 1970. In 2000 the population inclined minimally to around 30%. After 2000, the population rose significantlly to half of population in 2020. Then population will be rise constantly to 60% in future.
Philippines had 32% of population in 1970. while the population rose slightly to 35% in 1980.Then the population rose sharply to 50% in 1990. After that it had slupmed 5% in 2010, which was 45% of population
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the graph, outlining trends for Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines between 1970 and 2040. An overview is attempted, noting that some countries experienced continuous growth while others fluctuated, though it contains some lexical inaccuracies such as referring to countries as 'cities'. Key data points are selected and compared, for instance noting Malaysia's rise from 30% to 75% in 2020. However, the description of the Philippines is incomplete and cuts off mid-thought, preventing full development of all data presented in the visual prompt. Consequently, the task is addressed only partially, placing this criterion at Band 5.0 according to the descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, starting with an introduction and an overview paragraph, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to individual nations. However, the overall progression is disrupted by abrupt cut-offs, particularly at the end of the text where the description of the Philippines stops abruptly. Cohesive devices are used simply, such as 'Then', 'After that', and 'While', but referencing is occasionally repetitive. Paragraphing is attempted, but the lack of completion in the final section and weak logical links between sentences restrict the organizational flow. This performance aligns best with Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a limited but minimally adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing trends, using terms such as 'increase marginally', 'dramatically', and 'rose sharply'. However, there are notable spelling errors ('betwwen', 'guessworkvfor', 'costantly', 'significantlly', 'slupmed') and inappropriate word choices, such as referring to countries as 'cities' ('two cities follow the constant increase'). These errors cause some noticeable difficulty for the reader. While some attempts are made to use descriptive adverbs, the frequency of lexical and spelling inaccuracies prevents the response from reaching Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The text contains a mix of simple sentence forms and basic attempts at complex structures, such as introductory prepositional phrases and time clauses ('after 1970, the population increased...'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors, including missing articles ('in starting year', 'in future'), incorrect prepositions, and awkward phrasing ('population will be rise constantly'). Punctuation and capitalization are also inconsistent, with lowercase letters starting sentences ('after 1970', 'while, Indonesia'). Although the meaning can generally be understood, the high frequency of errors across basic structures limits the score to Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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