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 information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020 along with predictions for 20230 and 2040.
Overview, the Malaysian residents accounted for the highest percentage of the population estimate over the period, while the Indonesia has lowest percentage population outlining dramatic rise up to 2040.
The Philippines consists of 31% population in 1970 followed by substantial increase almost 50% in 2040. Although Thailand take up about 48% proportion in 2040 usually 18% at initial in 1970.
Consequently, 30% population of Thailand and Indonesia are overlap in 2000 followed by forecast 48% population of Philippines and Thailand also coincide in 2010. Whereas, percentage population of Malaysia and Philippines are partially overlapping since 1970 to 1990 then, followed the opposing trends.
The line graph demonstrated the shift in percentage of population in four different countries with fluctuations over the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to cover the main features of the graph, such as the overall upward trends and some key intersections. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, the student states that 'The Philippines consists of 31% population in 1970 followed by substantial increase almost 50% in 2040,' whereas the chart shows it reaching 55.5% in 2040. Furthermore, there are typos in the timeline ('20230') and numerous confusing claims regarding data overlap. While an overview is attempted ('Overview, the Malaysian residents...'), it lacks precision and contains grammatical disruptions. Task Achievement is limited by these data errors and underdeveloped comparisons.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The organization of the response is somewhat disjointed. The essay begins with an introduction, attempts an overview mid-sentence ('Overview, the Malaysian residents...'), and moves into body details without clear paragraph breaks or logical progression. Cohesive devices are either misused or mechanically applied, such as starting a sentence with 'Consequently' where it makes no logical sense. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it hard to follow which country's data is being discussed. Paragraphing is inadequate, as the entire response is clumped together into a single block of text rather than distinct paragraphs for the introduction, overview, and body details.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'substantial increase,' 'dramatic rise,' and 'fluctuations,' but word choice and collocation errors are frequent. Phrases like 'Malaysia residents accounted for the highest percentage' and 'Thailand take up about 48% proportion' are unnatural. There are also direct lexical misuse errors, such as using 'outline' where 'outlining' or 'projecting' is meant, and confusing 'overlap' and 'coincide' with incorrect figures. Vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey the general topic, but frequent inaccuracies restrict the band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay displays a very limited range of sentence structures, and attempts at complex sentences are frequently faulty. There are persistent grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('the Indonesia has lowest percentage') and missing prepositions or articles. Punctuation and sentence boundaries are also poorly managed, resulting in run-on or fragmented ideas (e.g., starting a sentence with 'Overview,'). Frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader and prevent the text from achieving a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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