Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-24

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 line graph illustrates the proportion of population in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 to 2020 along with estimation for 2030 and 2024.

Overall, the percentage of population were increased in all four Asian countries from 1970 to 2040. Although, Malaysia became the most popular country where people were living in the cities.

In 1970, approximately 15% population lived in Indonesia after three decades this proportion rose to around 29%. However, In Thailand, about 19% individuals were deciding to live in cities but in 1990 and 2000 these two years represented constant proportion of approximately 29%. Moreover, Philippine showed increased percentagae of citizens in three decades but in 2000, the popluation declined. Malaysia showed 30% to 60% residents in first four decades.

In 2020 to 2040, the percentage of citizens climbed significantly in all four Asian countries but Malaysia represented gretest percentage of indivduals towards the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response attempts to cover the main trends in the line graph, providing an overview and mentioning data points for the four countries. However, there are several inaccuracies in the data reported, such as stating that Indonesia started at approximately 15% in 1970 when the chart shows 14%, and incorrectly referencing the year 2024 in the introduction instead of 2040. Additionally, the overview is somewhat simplistic, stating that the percentage increased in all four countries, which is true, but missing some of the comparative nuances. The selection of data lacks precision, placing the response at a Band 5.5 level as it addresses the task but contains noticeable inaccuracies and under-developed comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is structured into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a brief concluding look at the later period, which establishes basic paragraphing. However, the logical progression is hindered by awkward grouping and transitions. Phrases like 'after three decades this proportion rose' and 'However, In Thailand' lack smooth cohesive links. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the mechanical use of cohesive devices keeps the score at a Band 6.0 level.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for conveying basic trends, incorporating terms like 'proportion', 'percentage', and 'declined'. However, there are notable lexical errors and unnatural collocations, such as 'estimation for 2030 and 2024' (instead of 'projections'), 'most popular country where people were living' (instead of 'most urbanised'), and 'deciding to live in cities'. Spelling errors like 'percentagae' and 'popluation' also occur. This range is limited and reflects Band 5.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'Although, Malaysia became the most popular country where people were living in the cities.' However, control of grammar is inconsistent, leading to frequent errors. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues like 'the percentage of population were increased' and preposition/article errors such as 'in Philippines'. Complex structures are often faulty, placing the grammar at a Band 5.0 level.

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