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, unlike 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 similar. After the year 2000, the Malaysian population increased to 80% in cities. But the Philippines' population was the same in cities as Malaysia's in 1990, and then the graph decreased after that, from 50% to 40% in 2010. The population of Thailand and Indonesia was quite 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 to 50% in 2040.
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 summarise the main features of the chart, providing an overview and mentioning various countries and years. However, there are significant factual inaccuracies in interpreting the graph. For instance, the overview incorrectly states that the population of Malaysia and Indonesia will increase, unlike the Philippines and Thailand in 2040, whereas the text later contradicts this by saying the Philippines and Thailand will also increase to 50% in 2040. Furthermore, the description of past trends contains errors; the student claims the Philippines' population decreased after 1990 from 50% to 40% in 2010, while the data actually shows it dropped to 45.5% in 2000 and 42.5% in 2010 before rising again. Key comparative highlights are missed, and the data reporting is somewhat imprecise and confused, leading to an overall partial coverage of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is organized into three short paragraphs, attempting a traditional structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, logical progression is frequently disrupted by inaccurate statements and abrupt transitions. Cohesive devices are used mechanically or inappropriately, such as using 'Unlike' and 'But' in ways that create contradictions rather than clear contrasts. Paragraphing is present, but the internal development of ideas lacks cohesion, making the relationship between the historical data and future predictions difficult to follow at times. Referencing is also occasionally unclear regarding which country or year is being discussed.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is relatively basic and repetitive, frequently reusing phrases like 'the population living in cities' and 'increased'. There is very little attempt at less common lexical items or paraphrasing. Some word choices are imprecise or awkward in context, such as stating that 'the graph decreased' rather than the percentage or figure itself. However, the vocabulary is adequate to convey a basic meaning, and errors in word choice do not completely impede communication, placing the response solidly in the mid-band range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as using introductory dependent clauses ('After the year 2000, ...'). However, control over grammar is inconsistent. There are issues with tense usage when mixing past data with future predictions, and some sentences become convoluted or structurally awkward, such as 'It is quite evident from the population living in cities in 1970 that the Philippines and Malaysia were quite similar.' Errors in grammar and expression occur frequently, though basic meaning remains accessible.
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