Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-14
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 graph compare the percentage of population in four different Asian countries living in cities from 1970 and making prediction for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, for all cities over the years the population is significantly increasing. For Malaysia there is a noticeable growth in figures. While other three cities also been rose and observed a growth in population.
In 1970, Malaysia there was 30% of population but over the period figures climb however there was a drop in 1990 but afterward it rose and in 2040 it is predicted to reach at 80% of total population which was highest among all . Similarly, Philippines begin with slight high number at 32% experience a rise in 1990 but gradually drop and ended at 50% in 2040.
Towards following cities, Thailand was at below 20% in 1970 but considerably increased and predicted to closed at around 40% of total population in 2040. In addition, Indonesia population stand at 15% in 1970 but over the year overtake two cities in figures and in 2040 assumed to be at 60% of population and which recorded as the second most highest in number of population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and spans the required timeframe from 1970 to 2040, identifying key trends such as Malaysia's high urban population and the general upward trajectory across the board. Key features and comparisons are made, such as noting Malaysia as the highest and Indonesia overtaking others. However, the overview is somewhat simplistic, and there are occasional inaccuracies in reporting specific data points (for instance, describing the initial figure for Malaysia as 30% rather than tracking the exact starting point precisely). The development of ideas is adequate for a Band 6.0, as the main features are selected and reported, but the data coverage lacks the precision expected at higher bands.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is structured into distinct paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing specific country data. Logical sequencing is present, attempting to group countries effectively. However, cohesive devices are often mechanical, faulty, or missing entirely, leading to choppy progression. Phrases such as 'Towards following cities' are unnatural, and referencing is occasionally unclear or confusing. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal paragraph cohesion needs stronger logical links to guide the reader smoothly through the comparisons.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting some less common items such as 'significantly increasing', 'noticeable growth', and 'predicted to reach'. However, there are frequent inappropriate word choices and collocations, such as 'The graph compare', 'cities also been rose', 'begin with slight high number', and 'second most highest'. These lexical errors and awkward phrasings restrict the band score. Spelling and word formation errors demonstrate limited control over precise academic lexis.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and future predictions (e.g., 'which was highest among all', 'predicted to closed'). However, grammatical accuracy is weak throughout the text, featuring frequent errors such as subject-verb agreement issues ('Indonesia population stand'), incorrect verb forms ('also been rose', 'begin with'), and prepositional errors. These errors frequently distract the reader and impede smooth communication, placing the response firmly at Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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