Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-01

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 line graph illustrates the percentage of the population in Phillippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia over the period from 1970 to 2040.

Overall, Malaysia and Indonesia showed upward trend, while Phillippines and Thailand fluctuated throughout the period. By the end of the period, Malaysia recorded the highest figure.

At the beginning of the period, Malaysia stood at approximately 30% of population living in the city, followed by Indonesia at 12% of citizens living in the city. Malaysia then increased sharply to 60% of population in 2000, while, Indonesia also rose, reaching 30% of population. After this, Malaysia continued to increase, where as Indonesia also increased steadily and stood in second place.

Turning to the other figures, Phillippines started at around 19% of population

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, stopping abruptly at only 123 words and remaining incomplete. While it attempts to summarize the line graph, it addresses the task only minimally and tangentially because the text cuts off before finishing the analysis of the remaining countries and lacks a proper overview of all main features. The data points cited also contain inaccuracies, such as misstating Indonesia's starting point as 12% and the Philippines as 19%, which further detracts from the accuracy of the summary. To improve, the candidate must ensure the word count requirement is fully met, complete all body paragraphs, provide a comprehensive overview, and accurately report data directly from the chart.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organizational structure present, with an introductory sentence and the beginning of an overview and body paragraphs. However, because the text cuts off prematurely, there is no clear overall progression or conclusion to the writing. Paragraphing is attempted, but cohesive devices are limited and mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'while' and 'after this'. Referencing and logical sequencing become disrupted as the text breaks off mid-sentence. To achieve a higher band, the essay needs a complete logical structure with clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary, supported by a wider and more natural variety of cohesive links.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally basic and repetitive, showing a limited range that is only minimally adequate for the task. There are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and misspellings, such as 'Phillippines' and 'where as', which reflect inadequate control over word forms and spelling. The student attempts some topic-related vocabulary like 'percentage', 'population', and 'increased sharply', but the overall lexical resource remains restricted and lacks less common or sophisticated items. To improve in this area, the writer should incorporate a wider variety of precise synonyms, ensure accurate spelling of country names, and utilize more sophisticated vocabulary to describe trends and changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on simple and repetitive clauses like 'Malaysia then increased sharply' or 'Indonesia also rose'. Attempts at more complex structures are basic and frequently marred by errors, such as missing articles ('at approximately 30% of population living in the city') and prepositional inaccuracies. While some basic verb forms in the past tense are handled adequately, frequent errors and the incomplete nature of the sentences limit grammatical flexibility. To progress to a higher band, the writer needs to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures with greater accuracy and better control over articles and prepositions.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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