Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19
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 linear representation illustrates the information related to the percentage of the population in Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia) living in cities from 1970 to 2020 and predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it is witnessed that population had increased in every city and expected to climb in future also. Moreover, data is given in the form of percentage.The population of the Indonesia and Malaysia increased significantly.
In 1970, just 30% people of Malaysia were living in cities and it rose steadily by 10% till 1990. Moreover, it had a sharp rise of 35% till 2020 and number reached approximately 75%. It is expected that the population will increase in future by 5% till 2040. In 1970, just 12% people of Indonesia had residents in cities. Furthermore, number increased slowly by 20% till 2000. it had a significant rise of 20% till 2020 and expected that number will cross 55% till 2040. In 1970, just 10% individuals were living in cities and number rose steadily till 1990 and reached approximately 30%. It levelled off till 2020 but expected increase in future by 15%. Till 1980 just 30% people had residence in cities of Philippines and number rose dramatically by 20% till 1990. It had a steady drop of 10% till 2010 and remain approximately same in 2020. It is predicted that it will rose by 10% till 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response attempts to cover all four countries shown in the graph from 1970 to 2040. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies regarding the starting points and specific figures. For example, the student states that in 1970 'just 30% people of Malaysia were living in cities' (the graph shows 30%) but misquotes Indonesia as starting at 12% and Thailand at 10% (the actual figures are 14% and 18% respectively). Furthermore, the overview is somewhat simplistic, mentioning only that populations increased without capturing the overarching trends, such as Malaysia having the highest urban population throughout the period. These data inaccuracies and the lack of a clear, synthesized overview prevent the response from achieving a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph, though the body paragraph is an undifferentiated block of text containing all four countries, making it difficult to read. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often repetitive or mechanical ('In 1970...', 'Furthermore...', 'Moreover...'). Paragraphing is not used effectively; grouping each country into its own paragraph or separating them clearly would have greatly improved the logical flow and organization of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student attempts some less common vocabulary items such as 'linear representation', 'significantly', and 'dramatically'. However, there are numerous lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'had residents in cities' instead of 'resided in cities' or 'lived in urban areas', and incorrect verb forms like 'it will rose'. Vocabulary range is adequate to convey basic trends, but word choice and collocation errors are noticeable throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. While some sentences are accurate, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with tense consistency and verb forms (e.g., 'population had increased', 'expected that number will cross', and 'it will rose by 10%'). Punctuation and article usage are also inconsistent at times. These errors occasionally cause slight confusion for the reader, placing the response firmly in the band 5.0 to 5.5 range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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