Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The given multi-line graph tracks the percentage of the population living in a city of four Asian countries- Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia- from 1970 to 2020 and forecasts the percentage till 2040.
Overall, an upward trend is observed in the percentage of population living in cities in all four countries. The greatest rise is seen in Malaysia and the least is seen in Thailand.
In 1970, about 30% of Malaysia’s total population lived in cities and that number steadily rose to 45% by 1990 . After 1990, it retained its position as the most urbanized country by surpassing the Philippines, the figure surged and climed to 76% by 2020. The percentage is expected to reach 83% by 2040. A similar trend can be seen with Indonesia; it was the least urbanized country in 1970 and accounted for only 14%. It gradually rose till 2020, reaching 50%. It became the second most urbanized country by replacing both Philippines and Thailand by 2010. Additionally, the percentage is anticipated to reach 60% by 2040.
The Philippines, the most urbanized country in 1970 at 32%, showed minor variations. After peaked at 48% in 1990, fell to 40% by 2010. A steady rise was seen until 2020. By 2040, the predicted numbers are at 60%. Ultimately, Thailand which was the third largest in 1970 and accounted for 19%. It rose steadily until 1990 and remained stable at 32% until 2020 with a prediction of 48% by 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The response covers all parts of the task well, providing an overview of the trends and reporting key data points across the four countries. The writer correctly identifies Malaysia as experiencing the greatest rise and highlights the changing rankings of urbanisation over time. However, there are some minor inaccuracies or generalisations in data reporting compared to the source chart; for instance, the text states that Indonesia reached 50% by 2020 (whereas the visual shows around 52%), and the final figure for the Philippines is reported as 60% by 2040 (whereas the chart shows 55.5%). Despite these minor discrepancies, the main features are selected and compared effectively, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, leaning towards a solid Band 6.5 due to slight data inaccuracies.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, an overall summary paragraph, and body paragraphs dedicated to grouping the countries. Cohesive devices are used adequately to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'After 1990', 'Additionally', and 'Ultimately'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different countries and time periods. However, referencing is occasionally slightly confusing or mechanical, such as 'A similar trend can be seen with Indonesia; it was the least urbanized country...', which disrupts the smooth progression. Overall arrangement is coherent and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 6.0 descriptor.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, incorporating terms such as 'urbanized', 'forecasts', 'anticipated', and 'variations'. There are some attempts to use less common vocabulary, but these are sometimes accompanied by awkward phrasing or word-choice errors, such as 'climed' (spelling error for climbed) and 'the figure surged and climed'. Furthermore, some expressions like 'retained its position as the most urbanized country by surpassing the Philippines' show slightly unnatural collocation. The lexical range is sufficient to communicate the message clearly, though errors prevent a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and time markers effectively (e.g., 'The given multi-line graph tracks...'). There are, however, several grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the text. Examples include missing articles or prepositions ('living in a city' instead of 'living in cities', 'the figure surged and climed'), comma splices and run-on structures ('Ultimately, Thailand which was the third largest in 1970 and accounted for 19%. It rose steadily...'), and tense inconsistencies. These errors occasionally cause slight awkwardness but do not severely impede overall communication.
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