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 given graph illustrates the data about the percentage of population of four different Asian countries such as Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, living in cities from 1970 to 2020 with the possible predictions for 2030 and 2040.
The graph data shows us how the percentage of population for Philippines in 1970 to 2020 was almost around 32% but with the growing population and in the coming years it is expected to rise.It will be somwhere around 50%. Similarly for Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia the percentages for population in 1970 to 2020 was about 30%, 19%, 14%. However the percentage for Malaysia is expected to be somwhere betwwen 80% by 2030. For Thailand it is expected to be somewhere near 50% by 2030 and finally for Indonesia it is expected to be around 60%.
Hence, the graph shows us a prediction continuous rise in the the population for these Asian countries in the coming years.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response addresses the task only partially, as the data reported contains several inaccuracies and generalizations. For instance, the student states that the percentage for the Philippines from 1970 to 2020 was 'almost around 32%', which misinterprets the dynamic changes shown on the graph where the figure actually rose to 48% and fluctuated thereafter. Additionally, the overview provided at the end is overly simplistic and fails to adequately summarize the main trends and distinct trajectories of the four countries. To reach a higher level, the response needs to select and accurately report key data points, such as Malaysia's steep rise to 76% in 2020, and provide a clearer, more comprehensive overview of the overall patterns.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
There is some basic organization with a clear introduction and conclusion, but the overall progression of information lacks logical flow. The body paragraph crams multiple countries and timeframes together without a clear structure, making the comparisons difficult to follow. Furthermore, cohesive devices are basic and repetitive, relying on simple connectors like 'Similarly' and 'However', and referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the abrupt transition in the final sentence. Improving Coherence and Cohesion requires grouping information logically—perhaps by country or by trends—and using a wider range of cohesive ties to guide the reader smoothly through the comparisons.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is limited and minimally adequate for the task, with noticeable errors and spelling mistakes that occasionally cause confusion for the reader. Words like 'somwhere' are misspelled, and phrases such as 'percentage for population' or 'prediction continuous rise' show unnatural collocation and awkward phrasing. The student attempts some less common vocabulary related to trends, such as 'expected to rise', but overall control is weak. To improve lexical resource, the writer should incorporate a broader range of precise vocabulary relating to data trends, such as 'projections', 'significant growth', or 'urbanization rate', while paying closer attention to correct spelling and word form.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, with frequent grammatical errors that can cause difficulty for the reader. There are issues with subject-verb agreement and preposition use, such as 'percentages for population in 1970 to 2020 was about...' where the plural subject disagrees with the singular verb, and 'between 80% by 2030' which contains a preposition error. Attempts at complex sentences often result in awkward or faulty phrasing. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to demonstrate better control over basic grammar rules, including tense consistency for past data versus future predictions, and incorporate a wider variety of error-free complex sentence structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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