Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The given line chart illustrates the information about the population of different countries living in states from 1970 to 2010 and predictions for 2030 and 2040. The data has been measured in percentage.

To start with, the highest population was reported in the Philippines to 31% in 1970 and it increased to 49% in 1990. It dramatically declined in 2010 with 40% then it will increases to 50% in 2040. In the initial year population was 30% in Malaysia and it will rise in 2040 to 84%.

Moving further, in Thailand, the population was recorded in 1970 to 19% and it significantly increased in 1990 to 30%. A similar trend was seen from 1990 to 2020 to 27% and then it would increase to 45% in 2040. In Indonesia, the population was started to 4% and rose with 40% in 2010. It will increase in 2040 with 60%.

Overall, highest population was measured in the Philippines and lowest in Indonesia. Highest population will predicted in Malaysia and Indonesia.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The candidate attempts to cover the main features of the chart, providing a general summary and comparing countries. However, there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, the student states that the population in the Philippines was 31% in 1970 and 49% in 1990 (actual figures are 32% and 48%), and mentions Indonesia starting at 4% (actual is 14%). While an overview is attempted in the final paragraph, it contains confusing information regarding future predictions ("Highest population will predicted in Malaysia and Indonesia"). The data selection is somewhat arbitrary, and the misreporting of numbers detracts from task fulfillment. Therefore, the response partially addresses the task.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text is divided into four paragraphs, including an introduction and a brief conclusion, which shows an attempt at logical structure. However, progression within paragraphs is weak. Cohesive devices are used awkwardly or repetitively (e.g., 'To start with', 'Moving further'), and referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to follow the relationships between ideas and data points. The final concluding sentence is grammatically disjointed and fails to effectively synthesize the main trends shown in the graph.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The student uses a basic vocabulary range suitable for describing trends, such as 'increased', 'declined', and 'percentage'. However, there are frequent inappropriate word choices and collocations, such as 'living in states' instead of 'cities' or 'urban areas', and phrasing like 'population was started to 4%'. Attempts at less common vocabulary lead to errors that occasionally impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on simple and flawed complex sentences. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, such as tense confusion (e.g., mixing past trends with future predictions awkwardly like 'then it will increases'), missing prepositions, and passive voice errors (e.g., 'population was reported... to 31%', 'Highest population will predicted'). These errors cause frequent strain and difficulty for the reader.

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