Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-21

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 illustrate information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Percentage of the population living in cities is mostly increased. The population of Philippines is increased at the start ,then it decrease and at the end it is increased again.

The average of population living in cities in Malaysia is 30% in 1970. Then it increased constantly and reached at 80% in 2040. The percentage of population living in cities in Philippines is 30% in 1970. It reached at 48% in 1990. Then it decreased from 48% to 40% in 2010. It reaches at 50% in 2040. The rate of population living in the cities in Indonesia is 12% in 1970. Then it increased and reached at 25% in 2000. After that,

it increased instantly and reached at 57% in 2040.

The average of population living in cities in Thailand in 19% in 1970. Then it increased and reached at 40% in 2040.

conclusion the average of population living in cities

is mostly increased with some decreases.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to cover the main trends from the graph regarding the four countries from 1970 to 2040. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the data reported (for example, stating Malaysia started at 30% when it was actually around that, but reporting Indonesia's 1970 figure as 12% instead of 14%, and mixing up predictions with past figures). Furthermore, the overview is extremely basic and lacks a clear summary of the overall trends. While the prompt's data is addressed, the numerous inaccuracies in figures and the lack of a well-developed overview place this response at Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is broken into very short, disjointed paragraphs, including isolated sentences that fail to form a cohesive structure. There is an absence of a proper introduction and conclusion, with the final sentence awkwardly placed as 'conclusion the average...'. Cohesive devices are minimal and repetitive (using 'Then' excessively to link chronological points). Although there is a basic logical sequence of discussing the countries, the lack of paragraphing control and poor transitions result in a choppy and disjointed reading experience, typical of Band 5.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, frequently reusing phrases like 'percentage of population living in cities' and 'increased and reached at'. There are lexical inaccuracies, such as using 'instantly' instead of 'significantly' or 'rapidly' to describe a steep upward trend. While the language is minimally adequate to convey the basic topic, the lack of flexibility and range prevents it from reaching a higher band score, fitting the Band 5.0 descriptor for a limited range of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The student attempts some complex structures, but these are marred by frequent grammatical errors. There are issues with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency (e.g., 'The graph illustrate', 'population ... is increased', 'it decrease'). Preposition errors are also present ('reached at' instead of 'reached'). Although simple sentences are generally understandable, the frequency of basic errors throughout the text means it cannot achieve a Band 6.0, aligning closer to Band 5.0 where frequent errors persist.

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

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