Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-30
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 line chart illustrate the population of people located in cities of Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020 with predictions up to year 2040, in percentages.
Overall, the population of people living in cities of Indonesia and Malaysia increased considerably around the years and is expected to increase at same pace up to 2040. On other hand, the cities population of Philippines and Thailand increased steadily till 2020 and is expected to reach 50 and 45 percent respectively at end end of 2040.
The total percentage of people living in cities of Indonesia and Malaysia started at 10% and 30% in 1970 and reached up to 45 % and 75% of the total population in 2020, respectively. Additionally, Its is predicted that the population of people in cities of Indonesia could reach up to half of total population in 2030 and 2/3rd in 2040. Similarly, about 4/5th of the total population is expected to be living in cities of Malaysia in next decade and will reach 85% of total population.
While, Thailand and Philippines started at around 20 % and 30% made only 10% growth and are standing at 30% and 40% respectively, in 2020. In future, the people living is expected to reach half of the total population till 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The candidate has generally addressed the task by outlining the main trends in urban population percentages across the four countries from 1970 to 2040. An overview is provided, noting the significant growth in Indonesia and Malaysia compared to the steadier increases in the Philippines and Thailand. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting specific figures; for instance, Indonesia's starting point in 1970 was around 14%, not 10%, and Malaysia started at 30%. Furthermore, some data points are slightly miscalculated or generalized. Despite these minor discrepancies, the key features and comparisons are successfully highlighted, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is organized into four paragraphs, following a logical structure from an introductory overview to body paragraphs detailing specific country trends and future projections. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'Overall', 'Additionally', and 'Similarly', although some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'On other hand' and 'While, Thailand and Philippines'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different groups of countries and timeframes, contributing to a coherent overall arrangement that guides the reader through the data successfully.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The candidate demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, utilizing terms such as 'percentage', 'predictions', 'considerably', and 'proportion'. There are several word choice and collocation inaccuracies throughout the text, such as 'cities population' instead of 'urban population', 'at same pace', and 'at end end of 2040'. Spelling is generally accurate, but some minor slips occur. The vocabulary used is sufficient to communicate the main ideas, though less common lexical items are attempted with mixed success.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and modal verbs used for predictions ('is expected to reach', 'could reach up to'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('The line chart illustrate'), missing articles ('at end end of'), and punctuation errors. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout the response, fitting the criteria for a Band 6.0.
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