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 graph illustrates the information about proportion of the population in four asain contries living in cities between 1970 and 2020 and also make predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the gradually surged of living population had been seen from the very begining to the end.although Indonesia had dramatically rose up from the start to the end.

In 1970,Both Phillippines and Malaysia had 30% of proportion of living and Malaysia had slightly rose up while Phillippines showed the reversal of that after that Malaysia had the massive growth in living popution and it slight;y increased to 75% by the time of 2020.

In future it will be seen as 85% of the popution by the end of 2040,Conversely Phillipinies seemed to had slightly down fall until 2010 and after that it will be seen as the gradually increasing until the end

While on the other hand Indonesia and Thailand had only 10% and 20% of population in 1970.After that they both increased their population side by side until 2000.After then that Indonesia had the massive increased in unitl 2020 and as per reports it will reach 58% in 2040 while Thailand only reach at 35% at the end.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the overall rise in urban populations and make relevant comparisons between the four countries, including Malaysia’s strong growth and the Philippines’ dip before recovery. Several figures broadly match the chart, such as Malaysia reaching about 75% in 2020 and the Philippines declining to 2010 before rising. However, some details are inaccurate: Malaysia is about 83.5%, not 85%, in 2040; Indonesia is projected to reach about 64%, not 58%; and Thailand reaches about 49.5%, not 35%. The overview is also unclear: it says Indonesia rose dramatically but does not clearly identify Malaysia as the highest throughout the later period or distinguish the countries’ different growth patterns. More precise comparisons and a clearer overview would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, an overview and two body paragraphs grouping the countries. This gives the reader a basic route through the information. However, progression within sentences and between ideas is often difficult to follow. For example, “Malaysia had slightly rose up while Philippines showed the reversal of that” does not make the comparison clear, and “After then that” is an awkward transition. Linking phrases such as “While on the other hand” are also redundant. Use one clear comparison or time marker at a time, and organise each body paragraph around a consistent pattern—for example, past trends followed by forecasts. Clearer referencing would help readers track which country each statement describes.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “proportion,” “predictions,” “growth” and “increased,” and you attempt to describe changes over time. However, the range is limited and several repeated or inaccurate expressions make the report less precise. Phrases such as “living population,” “massive growth in living population” and “slightly down fall” are not natural ways to describe urbanisation trends. Spelling errors, including “asain,” “contries,” “begining” and “popution,” are noticeable and can distract the reader. Aim for accurate, conventional chart language such as “the proportion living in cities,” “rose sharply,” “declined slightly” and “was projected to reach.” Check spelling and word forms carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more extended sentences, and the main topic is generally understandable. However, errors in verb forms, sentence construction, articles and punctuation frequently make relationships between ideas unclear. Examples include “the gradually surged … had been seen,” “Indonesia had dramatically rose up,” and “it will reach 58% in 2040,” where the tense and structure are not controlled consistently. Some sentences also run together, as in “to the end.although,” while commas are missing after time expressions such as “In 1970.” Practise using a reliable pattern for describing trends: “The figure rose from X in 1970 to Y in 2020, and is projected to reach Z by 2040.” This would improve accuracy while allowing you to show a wider range of structures.

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