Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The following report presents information on the urban population percentages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2040, as depicted in the provided graph.

Overall, the trend shows a consistent increase in urban population percentages for all four Asian countries from 1970 to 2040, with Malaysia projected to have the highest percentage by 2040.

In 1970, the urban population percentage in the Philippines stood at 35%, the highest among the four countries. Over the next two decades, the Philippines experienced significant growth, reaching 50% by 1990. By 2040, the urban population percentage in the Philippines is predicted to be 55%, showing a steady upward trajectory over the years.

In contrast, Malaysia had the second-highest urban population percentage in 1970 at 30%, which increased to 45% by 1990. The projections for 2040 place Malaysia at the forefront with an estimated urban population percentage of 85%, showcasing a remarkable rise over the decades.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student provides an overview and selects some main features, such as the overall upward trend and the position of Malaysia and the Philippines. However, the response is incomplete and cuts off before discussing Thailand and Indonesia. Furthermore, some data points are inaccurate when compared against the visual data; for instance, the Philippines in 1970 was 32% (stated as 35%), and Malaysia in 2040 is projected to reach around 83.5% (stated as 85%). Because the response stops abruptly after only covering two countries and fails to complete the summary or provide comprehensive comparisons, it only partially addresses the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The text is organized with a clear introductory sentence and an overall summary paragraph, followed by distinct paragraphs for individual countries. Cohesive devices are used to signal contrast and sequence, such as 'Overall', 'In 1970', and 'In contrast'. However, because the text stops abruptly mid-response, the overall progression is incomplete. Paragraphing is logical for the sections attempted, but the lack of completion prevents the essay from achieving a fully coherent structure across the entire task.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, featuring appropriate phrases like 'urban population percentages', 'consistent increase', 'steady upward trajectory', and 'at the forefront'. There are attempts at less common vocabulary such as 'remarkable rise' and 'projections'. While word choice is mostly clear, minor inaccuracies occur with precise data reporting. The lexical range is sufficient to convey straightforward information, but the limited scope due to the incomplete text caps the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates control over a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as introductory prepositional phrases followed by main clauses ('In 1970, the urban population percentage in the Philippines stood at 35%...'). Grammar and punctuation are generally accurate in the sentences produced, with no major errors that impede communication. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, and the response is unfinished, which restricts the evaluation of grammatical variety.

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

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