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 graph illustrates the population of people living in cities in the four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020 respectively also including the 2030 to 2040 predictions.
Overall the population of Malaysia shows a rise of people living in the cities from 30% and there is projection on continual rise of people living in the city in 2030 and 2040. Thailand shows the lowest percentage of people living in the city, there is slight rise of people who chose to live in the city with 19% in 1970 and 29% in 2020 and slight increase of people who will live in the city between 2030 and 2040.
On the other hand, Philippines population with people living in the city was 31% in 1970 people living in the city that period was not many. The graph showed drastic increase of people living in the city with 44% in 2020 and between 2030 and 2040 there will be slight rise of the population to atleast 52%. Overall Thailand population will be lower iin regards to people living in the city with 41% compared to three cities.
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 student attempts to address the task by describing the overall trends and figures for the four countries. However, there are notable inaccuracies in reporting the data. For example, the student states that Thailand started at 19% in 1970 and reached 29% in 2020, whereas the graph indicates 18% and 33.5% respectively. Similarly, Malaysia's starting point is mentioned, but its dramatic ascent to the highest level (76% in 2020) is not fully articulated in terms of its final standings, and the concluding sentence confusingly refers to Thailand as having 41% 'compared to three cities' (instead of countries). While an overview is attempted, the lack of precision in data extraction and some confusing comparative conclusions restrict the task achievement to a band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into an introduction and two body paragraphs, which provides a basic structural framework. However, the internal progression within paragraphs is somewhat disjointed. The second paragraph abruptly lumps together Malaysia and Thailand without clear transitions, and the final paragraph mixes information about the Philippines and Thailand. Cohesive devices are used rather mechanically, and referencing is occasionally unclear, as seen in phrases like 'compared to three cities' where countries were intended. Paragraphing is attempted, but logical grouping of information is weak, leading to an overall band score of 5.0 for coherence and cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a limited range of vocabulary suitable for task 1, frequently repeating phrases like 'people living in the city' and 'rise of people'. There are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'Philippines population with people living in the city was 31%'. Less common vocabulary is rarely attempted successfully, and errors in word choice occasionally cause confusion for the reader. Therefore, a band 5.0 is appropriate for lexical resource.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as run-on sentences, missing prepositions, and incorrect phrasing (e.g., 'the population of people living in cities in the four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020 respectively also including...'). Punctuation is also problematic, with missing commas and full stops leading to fragmented thoughts. These frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader, placing the grammar at a band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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