Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-16

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 4.0)

This information illustrates the information about percentage of four Asian countries population living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Firstly, we can see there are mainly four countries which are Philipines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia.from the year 1970 to 2040.To commence with, Malaysia and Indonesia which is inclined upwards with holding total population percentage from 29% to 81% for Malaysia and 13% to 61% for Indonesia between 1970 to 2040.However from the year 2030 to 2040 which is prediction for future.

Moreover, for Philipines and Thailand which is has having fluctuations for instance

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response falls significantly short of the 150-word minimum requirement, containing only 98 words. Consequently, it only partially addresses the task. While the student attempts to introduce the topic and mentions some general trends for Malaysia and Indonesia, the information is very brief, imprecise, and incomplete. Important features and comparisons regarding the Philippines and Thailand are left undeveloped, and the response trails off mid-sentence at the end ('Moreover, for Philipines and Thailand which is has having fluctuations for instance'). Because the length requirement is not met and the data coverage is severely limited, the response aligns with band 4.0 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The text lacks clear overall progression and logical organisation due to its incomplete nature and abrupt ending. While the student attempts to use discourse markers such as 'Firstly', 'To commence with', and 'Moreover', these are often misused or mechanically applied. Paragraphing is weak, consisting mostly of isolated, fragmented sentences rather than coherent thematic blocks. Referencing is also problematic, with grammatical fragments standing in for full clauses. These cohesive failures and the lack of a finished structure place the response at band 4.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The lexical range is very basic and repetitive. The student relies heavily on simple vocabulary from the prompt, such as 'percentage', 'population', 'living in cities', and 'countries'. There are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'inclined upwards with holding total population percentage' and 'prediction for future'. Furthermore, spelling errors such as 'Philipines' occur. Because the vocabulary is limited and sometimes strains understanding, it meets the criteria for band 4.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

The grammatical range is extremely limited, consisting mostly of faulty complex sentence attempts and incomplete fragments. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout the text, such as 'This information illustrates the information about', 'Malaysia and Indonesia which is inclined', and 'which is has having fluctuations'. Many sentences lack a main verb or are cut off entirely, causing frequent strain for the reader. These persistent and severe structural errors place the response at band 4.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.