Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-27
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 illustration shows the population living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions of the population in four Asian countries for 2030 and 2040. Overall, the population of Malaysia and Indonesia will increase instead of the Philippines and Thailand in 2040.
It is quite evident from the population living in cities in 1970 that the Philippines and Malaysia were quite the same. After the year 2000, the Malaysian population increased to 80% in cities. But the Philippines' population was the same in cities as Malaysia in 1990, and then the graph decreased after that, from 50% to 40% in 2010. The population of Thailand and Indonesia was around similar in 2000, but after that, the population of Indonesia increased to around 50% in 2020.
Furthermore, the population of Malaysia and Indonesia will increase in cities in the year 2040. But the population of the Philippines and Thailand will also increase by 50% in 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to cover the main trends in the graph, such as the overall upward trajectory of Malaysia and Indonesia and the comparison between countries. However, the overview is imprecise and confusing, stating that 'the population of Malaysia and Indonesia will increase instead of the Philippines and Thailand in 2040,' which misinterprets the data since all countries show increases by 2040. Furthermore, several specific data points are inaccurate or poorly described, such as claiming the Philippines and Malaysia were 'quite the same' in 1970 (32% vs 30%) while ignoring the wider gaps, and misstating the trajectory of the Philippines after 1990. While the student identifies general movements, the lack of precision and a flawed overview keeps this at Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is divided into three brief paragraphs, attempting a rudimentary structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion-like summary. However, overall progression is lacking because the ideas jump between countries and time periods without clear logical links. Cohesive devices are minimal and sometimes inaccurate or awkward, such as starting the final paragraph with 'Furthermore' when the sentence merely repeats general future trends. Referencing is also occasionally unclear, such as the contrast attempted with 'instead of' in the overview. Paragraphing is present, but internal cohesion is mechanical and weak, fitting the Band 5 descriptor.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student uses an adequate basic vocabulary related to the task, including words like 'population', 'cities', 'graph', and 'predictions'. However, the range is limited and repetitive, with frequent reliance on basic phrasing such as 'the population living in cities'. There are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'increased instead of the Philippines' and 'around similar in 2000', which cause some awkwardness and slight confusion for the reader. Less common or sophisticated lexical items are largely absent, restricting the score to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'It is quite evident from the population... that the Philippines and Malaysia were quite the same.' However, control over grammar is inconsistent. There are awkward phrasings and structural errors, such as 'the population of Thailand and Indonesia was around similar' and 'will increase instead of the Philippines and Thailand'. While basic sentences are generally understandable, frequent minor structural and prepositional inaccuracies mean that error-free sentences are not in the majority, placing this performance at Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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