Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-06

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 rendered line graph illustrates the proportion of the population in four different Asian countries residing in cities between 1970 and 2020, which is estimated from 2030 to 2040.

Overall, the percentage of population residing in cities shows a general upward trend. In addition, Philippines recorded the highest percentage of population, while indonesiad of time represented the lowest proportion of citizens living in cities over the period of time.

Initailly, the percentage of individuals residing philippines was just over the 30%, which remained constant for the decade. In 1990, the percentage rose slightly to 50%. which experienced fluctuations over the period and finish approximately to 50%. However, the proportion of population in indonesia, was least at the beginning of time just above 10%, which increased moderately near 30% for 2000. After that, it experienced a significant surge and reach its peak point as well as it is projected about 60%.

In case of Malaysia, the figuers stood at 30%, which incilned over 40% for twenty years. Thereafter, there had been a dramatic increase in figres between 2000 and 2020, where it is estimated about 80% in 2040. The percentage of Thailand was under 20% in 1970, and slightly increased to 30%. The figres remain stable in the end and it is forecasted for 60% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main task by attempting to outline the percentage of the population living in cities in four Asian countries between 1970 and 2040, providing an overview and some comparative details. However, it sits at this level because some parts of the task are only partially addressed, and several key features or data points are misreported or inaccurate. For instance, the overview incorrectly claims that the Philippines recorded the highest percentage throughout the period, whereas Malaysia clearly surpasses it from 2000 onwards. Furthermore, the description contains factual inconsistencies regarding specific data values, such as stating that the Philippine percentage finished at approximately 50 percent when the chart shows a projection of 55.5 percent, and claiming Thailand is forecasted for 60 percent when the actual prediction is 49.5 percent. To reach a higher band, you must ensure that your overview accurately reflects the overarching trends and that all reported data points closely match the visual source without misinterpreting the numbers.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates some overall organisation by attempting to divide the content into a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on different countries. However, the progression of ideas is sometimes hindered by abrupt transitions and a lack of logical flow between sentences. Cohesive devices are used, but they are occasionally mechanical or inaccurate, such as the misuse of 'Initailly' and 'In case of Malaysia'. Additionally, referencing within the text becomes confusing, particularly in sentences like 'In 1990, the percentage rose slightly to 50%. which experienced fluctuations', where punctuation errors break the connection between clauses. Paragraphing is present, but grouping the countries could have been managed more effectively to highlight meaningful comparisons. To improve cohesion, you should employ a wider variety of accurate linking words and ensure that each sentence logically builds upon the previous one without sudden leaps in focus.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is minimally adequate for the task, allowing you to convey basic trends such as an 'upward trend', 'fluctuations', and a 'significant surge'. However, the range of vocabulary is limited, and there are noticeable errors in word choice, spelling, and word formation that detract from the writing. Examples include typos and misspellings like 'indonesiad' and 'Initailly', as well as awkward lexical choices such as 'the figuers stood at' and 'incilned' instead of 'inlined' or 'increased'. Furthermore, attempts to use less common lexical items sometimes result in unnatural phrasing. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to expand your range of vocabulary by incorporating precise synonyms for rise and fall, and carefully proofread your work to eliminate spelling mistakes and incorrect word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writing relies on a limited range of sentence structures, and attempts to produce complex sentences frequently result in grammatical faults. There are frequent errors in verb forms, tense consistency, prepositions, and article usage which can cause difficulty for the reader. For example, expressions like 'the percentage of individuals residing philippines' lack necessary prepositions, and clauses such as 'where it is estimated about 80% in 2040' display faulty grammatical patterns. Punctuation errors are also present, such as unnecessary full stops used to split dependent clauses. To progress to a higher band, you need to demonstrate greater control over complex sentence patterns, ensure correct subject-verb agreement, use accurate prepositions within phrases, and minimize basic grammatical errors throughout your response.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.