Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26
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 significantly describes the proportion of population in four different Asian countries, which living in ctiy area in the year 1970 and 2020 respectively. While, the chart also enumerates the percentage of people projected to be in 2030 and 2040 by predictions.
Overall, it is clear that lowest number of population living in Indonesia in 1970 was 10%, which gradually increased and projected to be 60% in 2040. Moreover, highest proportion were living in of Malaysia by 30% in 1970 and will dramatically increase to 80% as per the graph.
Further analysis of chart illustrates, 19% of population was accounted in 1970 and gradually increase and estimated to around 45% in 2040 in the cities of Thailand respectively.
By observing more, 31% of population was estimated in 1970 which rose to near 50% in 1990 then, it gradually fell to 40% in 2010, following to be projected as 52% approximately in 2040 in the country named Philippines.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response covers all four countries and spans the entire time period from 1970 to 2040, thus addressing all parts of the task. An overview is attempted, noting the general upward trends in urbanization. However, the selection of data contains inaccuracies; for instance, the text claims that Indonesia's population in cities in 1970 was 10% (graph shows around 14%) and that Malaysia's starting point was 30% in 1970 (which is correct, but the description of figures lacks overall precision). Furthermore, some figures are confused between countries, such as attributing certain numbers incorrectly. Because the information presented is sometimes inaccurate or poorly synthesized, the task achievement is limited to a Band 5.5.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The text is organized into four paragraphs, attempting an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs for individual countries. However, the progression lacks clear logical links, and cohesive devices are often mechanical or misused (e.g., 'While, the chart also...', 'By observing more...'). Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs feels disjointed, with abrupt jumps between data points. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparisons smoothly. This performance aligns with Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate to convey basic trends, utilizing terms such as 'proportion', 'gradually increased', and 'dramatically'. However, there are notable lexical errors and unnatural word choices, such as 'significantly describes', 'ctiy area' (spelling error), and awkward phrasing like 'lowest number of population living in'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success and some inaccuracies in collocation. Spelling errors such as 'ctiy' also detract from the overall lexical score, placing this response firmly at Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but many of these constructions are faulty or ungrammatical. Examples include 'which living in ctiy area' and 'highest proportion were living in of Malaysia by 30%'. There are frequent errors in prepositions, verb forms, and relative clauses, which occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. While some sentences are straightforward and understandable, the high density of grammatical errors prevents the response from reaching Band 6.0, resulting in a Band 5.0 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.