Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-08

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 graph depicts the information about the number of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, all the four countries showing an upward trend. Malaysia considers as a front runner in all above four countries, whereas thailand constituted the lower value for the population.

In 1970, around 30% of Malaysia populationn living in cities, followed by 70% in 2020 and expected to be 82% in 2040.Number of citizens, who lived in indonesia is around 12% in 1970 and then gradulay increased in population of the thailand about 52%, and expected to be on its peak around 59%. Number of individuals accounted for thailand is around 19%, population remained stable for some years to 2020 and epected to soared around 48% in 2040.Furthermore, philippines popuplation was fluctuated throwout the years. In 1970, aound 30% people lived in the urban area that ros esteadily in 1990 to about 49% and after that period number of residents were declined in 2010 to around 41%. In 2040, number of population for the philippines were expected to be 54%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the overall rise in urban populations and note Malaysia’s leading position, while including several relevant figures and the Philippines’ fluctuation. However, the overview is not fully accurate: Thailand is the lowest only at the beginning; by 2040 the Philippines is projected to be higher than Thailand, and Indonesia rises above the Philippines from 2010. Some figures and country trends are also confused. For example, the sentence beginning “Number of citizens, who lived in indonesia” then describes Thailand, and the stated 2020 and 2040 Indonesian values are not clearly assigned. The response therefore covers the chart only partially, with important comparisons unclear. Organise the data by country and report the main changes and rankings accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic overall structure: an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph containing details. Some sequencing is understandable, particularly the account of the Philippines from 1970 to 2040. However, the body moves between countries without clear transitions, and the Indonesia sentence shifts to Thailand mid-sentence, making the reference difficult to follow. Connectors such as “Furthermore” do not resolve this confusion, and the overview’s broad statement is not developed into a clear comparison. Use separate, logically ordered paragraphs—for example, grouping Malaysia and the Philippines, then Thailand and Indonesia—and keep each country’s figures together. Clearer referencing and more purposeful linking would make the progression easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “upward trend,” “fluctuated,” “declined,” and “expected,” and the reader can generally recognise that you are describing urban population percentages. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, such as “number of the population,” “Malaysia considers as a front runner,” and “population … soared.” Spelling errors—including “populationn,” “gradulay,” and “popuplation”—also reduce control. Prefer precise language for proportions and trends, such as “the proportion of residents living in cities” and “rose steadily.” Check spelling carefully and avoid using “number” when describing percentages. These changes would make the report more natural and precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts some longer sentences and uses past and future forms to cover historical data and projections. However, grammatical errors are frequent, and several sentences are difficult to parse. Examples include “all the four countries showing an upward trend,” which lacks a finite verb, and “Malaysia considers as a front runner,” where the verb construction is faulty. Agreement and sentence structure are also problematic in “number of residents were declined” and “population … were expected.” The long sentence about Indonesia and Thailand combines ideas without clear grammatical boundaries. Practise complete subject–verb sentences, consistent past-tense descriptions, and accurate passive forms such as “is expected to reach.” Shorter sentences would help you control these patterns.

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