Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The graph illustrates the percentage of population residing in cities in four countries of Asia. The data is from 1970 to 2020, furthermore it predicts the figure in 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the percentage increases over time in cities of all four countries. However, percentage fluctuated considerably in Philippines. Furthermore, in Malaysia the number coincided with Thailand and philippines in 2000 and 2010.

Population in Philippines and Malaysia was almost the same in 1970 around 30%. In the next decade, the percentage increased slightly in Philippines. But in Malaysia the number approached 40% in 1980. In 1990 population in both countries was almost the same below 50%. Over the coming years percentage increased steadily in Malaysia. In Philippines however, population decreased to approximately 42% in 2010 and then increased in 2020. Over next 20 years, the number is also estimated to rise going above 50% in Phillipines and above 80% in Malaysia.

Thailand and indonesia, also observed increase in population from 19% and 14% to above 30% and 50%. In 2000, population approached 30% in cities of both the countries. The figure was close to 40% in Indonesia and Phillipines in 2010.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response covers all four countries and provides an overview stating that the urban population percentage increased in all cases over time. Key features are selected, such as the general upward trajectory and some comparative references like the populations in the Philippines and Malaysia in 1970 and 1990. However, the development is limited and partially mechanical. For example, some stated comparisons contain inaccuracies or imprecise interpretations of the data, such as claiming the numbers coincided in specific ways that are not fully supported by the graph. Additionally, the overview is brief and touches on main trends only broadly. To reach a higher level, the response would need to more accurately report specific data points and extend the comparison of trends across the whole period rather than relying on isolated figures.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, starting with an introduction, followed by an overview and body paragraphs grouping the countries. There is a basic logical progression from past data to future predictions. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes faulty or mechanical, with transitional words like 'furthermore' used awkwardly to link sentences. Referencing is also occasionally unclear, such as pronoun usage and linking between sentences in the second body paragraph, which disrupts the flow. Paragraphing is present, but internal cohesion requires better control and smoother transitions between ideas to establish a clearer overall progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying basic concepts related to percentages and population trends with words such as 'percentage', 'residing', and 'estimated'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, but these are accompanied by inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and spelling, such as 'percentage fluctuated considerably' and the misspelling of 'Phillipines'. Word choice errors occur when describing the movement of data, limiting precision. To improve, the writer should expand the range of synonyms and collocation patterns relating to graph data and ensure correct spelling and precise lexical control throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures like relative clauses and time-phrased clauses. However, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, particularly regarding missing articles ('in Philippines'), preposition usage ('in cities of both the countries'), and comma splices or run-on structures. While these errors rarely impede overall communication, they persist across the text and limit the proportion of error-free sentences. To achieve a higher score, the writer needs to exercise better control over basic grammatical structures, such as articles and prepositions, and increase the accuracy of more complex sentence formations.

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