Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-20
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 illustrates information about the total population (measured in percentage) in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, and also predicted for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, Malaysia is predicted to be highly populated in the future, whilst, Thailand will be the least populated country. However Philippines consisiting of largest Inhabitants in the 90's, whereas, Indonesia experienced an upward trend throughout the period.
In 1970, the population in Malaysia was only 30 percent. However, this value increased to 42% in 1980, experiencing a slight decrease in 1990. Afterwards, it increased to 78% in 2020 and is predicted to be the highest populated (80%) by 2040. The Philippines in 1970 was the highest populated, standing at 32%; at the same time, it fluctuated and experienced an upward trend reaching 48% before falling to 45% in 2010.
In Thailand, the population just started at 19%, increased to 29% in 1990, crossing paths with Indonesia at just below 30% in 2000. Afterwards, it reached 30% in 2020 and is expected to increase till 2040 (45%). Furthermore, the population of Indonesia was the least populated, standing at just 15%, but it is expected to experience a dramatic increase to just below 60% in 2020.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| 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 summarizing the main trends in the line graph concerning urban populations across four countries. An overview is provided, though it contains some inaccuracies regarding the data (e.g., claiming Malaysia will be 'highly populated' rather than having a high percentage of urban dwellers, and confusing population size with urbanization percentages). While several specific data points are reported, there are noticeable factual errors when compared to the source chart (for instance, stating Malaysia's 1980 figure increased to 42% when it was actually around 40.5%, and misreporting later trends). Ideas are generally relevant, but the misinterpretation of urbanization rates as total population numbers detracts from task fulfillment.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into four paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. There is a basic attempt to sequence ideas logically by country and time period. However, cohesive devices are sometimes awkwardly used or mechanically deployed, such as the repetitive use of 'However' and 'Afterwards'. Furthermore, referencing and paragraph transitions lack seamless progression, leading to a somewhat disjointed flow between sentences. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal logical links need better cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range to discuss trends, utilizing terms such as 'upward trend', 'fluctuated', and 'dramatic increase'. However, there are significant lexical inaccuracies, most notably confusing 'population' with 'percentage of the population living in cities' and using terms like 'least populated country' instead of referring to the lowest urbanization rate. There are also vocabulary slips and awkward word choices, such as 'consisiting of largest Inhabitants', which impede precise communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and introductory phrases (e.g., 'The line graph illustrates information about...'). However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several errors in prepositions, tense consistency, and punctuation, such as 'consisiting of largest Inhabitants in the 90's' (missing articles and spelling errors), and 'just started at 19%'. While some sentences are clear, frequent minor errors and awkward syntax occasionally strain the reader's understanding.
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