Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17
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 line graph tracks the percentage of the population in 4 different Asian countris from [redacted phone]. In addition, it predicts this information for next 2 decades. Overall, it is clearly visible that Malaysia will have highest populaion by 2040.
On the one hand, in 1970 Philippines had more than 30% humans which increased to at edge of 50% by the year of 1990. However, it decreased to 40% in 2010 then prediction tell it will go to 55% by the end of 2040. In addition, in the begining Thailand's population rose by 10% in first 2 decades. which became steady in next 30 years. However future prediction for Thailand is that poipulation will be increase to 45% in 2040.
On the other hand, Malaysia had 30% humans in 1970 hich increased to 45% in 1990. Moreover, population sky rocketed in next 30 years and it reached to 75% in 2020. After that prediction says
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 attempts to summarize the line graph by outlining general trends and some specific figures. However, the report is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence at the end ('After that prediction says'). Furthermore, there are several inaccurate data citations, such as stating Philippines' urban population reached 'at edge of 50% by the year of 1990' (when it was actually around 48%) and incorrectly referring to the percentage of people as 'humans'. The overview identifies the highest population by 2040 correctly as Malaysia, but key features lack full development due to the truncated ending and occasional data inaccuracies. Based on these limitations, it achieves a band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The text attempts a logical organization by dividing the body paragraphs into 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', although this is a mechanical transition style often used for opinion essays rather than a data report. Paragraphing is attempted, but the abrupt cut-off at the conclusion severely disrupts the overall flow and progression of ideas. Cohesive devices like 'however', 'in addition', and 'moreover' are used, but referencing is sometimes unclear, such as 'humans' instead of the percentage of the population. Progression lacks a smooth trajectory due to the incomplete ending, warranting a band 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary range is limited and repetitive. The student uses basic terms and occasionally misuses lexical items, such as referring to demographic percentages as 'humans' ('Philippines had more than 30% humans') and using awkward collocations like 'prediction tell' or 'population sky rocketed'. Spelling errors also appear, including 'countris', 'populaion', 'begining', and 'poipulation'. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey the general topic of urbanization, word choice inaccuracies and spelling mistakes restrict the score to a band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, such as 'The line graph tracks the percentage...' and 'Overall, it is clearly visible that Malaysia will have...'. However, grammatical accuracy is weak with frequent errors, including missing prepositions, tense inconsistencies (e.g., mixing past and present data descriptions awkwardly), and faulty verb forms in predictions ('poipulation will be increase'). Punctuation is also problematic, notably missing periods or incorrect sentence boundaries. Due to these frequent errors causing some difficulty, a band 5.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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