Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29
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 given graph illustrates information about inhabitants in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020 along with estimate for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, Malaysia with highest percentage of people whereas Thailand with least population.
In 1970, Indonesia was about 15% population and incresed gradually and reached around 45% in 2010. From that, number of people jumped considerably. In 2020, it was 50% of total population. It is predicted that this percentage will be 60 in 2040. In Thailand, there was rougly 19% people in 1970. After that, it rose slowly and about 30% in 2020. It is considered that this will be at around 45% in 2040.
In 1970, total population of Malaysia was 30%. But this number of individuals grew significantly in following years and about 72% in 2020. In 2040, this will be at roughly 82%. In case of phillppines, the total population was 31% in 1970. After some fluctuation it was at 42% in 2010. In 2040, this will might be at 50%.
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 student covers all four countries and provides an overview, mentioning that Malaysia had the highest percentage and Thailand the lowest. However, the overview is grammatically incomplete and lacks precision. Key features and data points are selected, but there are several inaccuracies in the figures reported. For instance, the student states that Indonesia was about 15% in 1970 and reached 45% in 2010 (the actual figures are 14% and 43%), and for the Philippines, the text states the population was 31% in 1970 (actually 32%). While minor variations are acceptable, some trends are generalized or miscalculated. Furthermore, the comparison between countries is limited, and the response would benefit from a more integrated analysis across the period.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response is divided into distinct paragraphs, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs grouping the countries. However, the overall progression is somewhat disjointed due to abrupt transitions and missing links. Cohesive devices are minimal and sometimes inaccurate, such as using 'From that' instead of 'From there' or 'After that'. Referencing is occasionally unclear, as seen in phrases like 'In case of phillppines, the total population was 31%'. Paragraphing is attempted, but the internal logical flow within paragraphs lacks smooth connections between sentences.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The lexical resource is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic vocabulary such as 'percentage', 'population', 'people', and 'increase'. There are noticeable spelling and word choice errors, such as 'estimate' instead of 'estimates', 'incresed' instead of 'increased', 'rougly' instead of 'roughly', and misspelling 'Philippines' as 'phillppines'. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey the basic data, the range is restricted and lacks the flexibility and precision expected for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including future predictions ('It is predicted that this percentage will be...'). However, grammatical accuracy is weak, with frequent errors such as missing verbs in the overview ('Malaysia with highest percentage... whereas Thailand with least population'), incorrect prepositions, and awkward phrasing ('this will might be at 50%'). Punctuation is generally basic. These errors occasionally cause strain for the reader, placing the response firmly in the band 5 category for grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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