Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-07

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 proportion of population from 1970 to 2020 in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the percentage of people who lives in cities in Philippines was the highest, while Indonesia is the lowest. By the year 2040, Malaysia is expected to be highest while Thailand is expected to be the lowest.

From 1970 to 2020, Malaysia has experienced a constant increase becoming the highest percentage of population with just above 70%, while Philippines that kept changing from increase to decrease then increase again ranked the third. Thailand started with slightely under 20% and by the end of 2020 it reached just below 40% which made it the least proportion compared to the other countries. Indonesia begain with the least proportion just above 10% and showed an increase that ended up being the second highst with 60%.

In 2030 and 2030, it is expected that all four countries keep increases with its population with constant rate, so that Malaysia is the first, Indonesia is second, Philippines is third and finally Thailand is fourth

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the countries and forecast period, and you report several relevant trends, including Malaysia’s steady rise and Indonesia’s strong growth. However, the overview contains a major contradiction: it says the Philippines had the highest urban share overall, although Malaysia was highest from 2000 onward and led by 2020. Some figures and comparisons are also inaccurate: Indonesia reached about 52% in 2020, not 60%, and Thailand was around 33.5%, not just below 40%. The final paragraph repeats 2030 and gives no clear figures for 2040. To strengthen the response, give an accurate overview of the changing rankings and select a few key figures to support it.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, an overview and paragraphs describing historical data and forecasts. This gives the reader a basic route through the information. However, progression is weakened by the contradiction between the overview and the later account, and the final paragraph repeats “2030” instead of clearly distinguishing the two forecast years. The long historical paragraph also moves rapidly between countries, making comparisons harder to follow. Use one paragraph for the main historical changes and another for the forecasts, and connect the figures through explicit comparisons such as “whereas” or “by contrast.” Clearer sequencing and more precise referencing would make the organisation more effective.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary such as “proportion,” “predictions,” “constant increase” and “ranked,” so the topic is generally clear. However, the range is limited and several phrases are awkward or imprecise, including “the second highst,” “keep increases with its population,” and “the least proportion.” Spelling slips such as “slightely,” “begain” and “highst” are noticeable and reduce accuracy. Some wording also obscures the intended comparison: “the highest percentage of population” would be clearer as “the highest proportion of the population.” Build a more precise set of trend and comparison expressions, and check spelling and collocations when editing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and more complex sentences, including a relative clause in “Philippines that kept changing…” and a forecast clause beginning “so that.” However, errors in agreement, articles and verb forms occur often enough to make some sentences awkward. For example, “people who lives” should be “people who live,” and “all four countries keep increases” needs a correct verb pattern such as “are expected to increase.” The opening also needs an article or possessive construction before “population,” while “in Philippines” should be “in the Philippines.” Tense shifts between “was,” “is” and “has experienced” are not consistently controlled. Practise accurate sentence patterns for describing past trends and future predictions.

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