Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-11

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 line chart provides the proportion of the population who lived in cities in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia form 1970 to 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the percentage of the population living in cities in Malaysia is expected to be highest according to this line graph. Moreover, it can be seen that according to this graph, all four countries are expected to increase.

Looking at the line graph in more detail, it is evident that the proportion of the population in cities in Malaysia stood at 30 per cent in 1970. The population living in cities increased to 70 per cent in 2020. Moreover, it is expected to be 80 per cent in 2040. Similarly, in Indonesia, the the population living in cities stood at 12 per cent in 1970. It is expected to be 58 per cent in 2040.

Turning to the Philippines line graph, it is evident that the proportion of population stood at 32 per cent in 1970. In 1990 the population sharply increased to 49 per cent. In 2020 there was little fluctuation; it deccreased 39 per cent. In 2040 the proportion is expected to 50 per cent. In Thailand, the proportion of population living in cities stood at 19 per cent in 1970. In 2040 it expected to be 44 per cent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the topic and give a broad overview that Malaysia is projected to have the highest urban share and that all four countries rise overall. You also include figures for each country, so the response is relevant to the task. However, several details are inaccurate: Malaysia is reported as 30% in 1970, but that figure belongs to the Philippines; Indonesia is about 14% in 1970, not 12%, and its 2040 figure is about 64%, not 58%. The Philippines falls to about 42.5% in 2010 before rising, rather than decreasing to 39% in 2020. Thailand is projected at about 50% in 2040, not 44%. The overview also misses the notable contrast between Malaysia’s high level and Indonesia’s strong growth. Check key values and describe the main comparisons more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two detail paragraphs. The transitions “Looking at the line graph in more detail” and “Turning to the Philippines” help signal changes in focus, and the information is generally grouped by country. However, progression within the details is limited: figures are listed without consistently comparing countries or tracing changes across the period. Repeated openings such as “it is evident” and “the proportion … stood at” make the linking feel mechanical, while “Moreover” is used repeatedly without adding a distinct relationship. The overview is also separated from the details but does not guide the reader toward the most important contrasts. Organise the body around clearer comparisons and use more varied, precise links between trends.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary, including “proportion,” “percentage,” “increased,” and “fluctuation,” and the meaning is usually understandable. However, the range is limited by repeated phrases such as “population living in cities” and “stood at,” and some word choices are imprecise for describing a line graph. “The population … increased to 70 per cent” suggests a change in the number of people rather than the percentage, while “little fluctuation” does not accurately describe the Philippines’ movement across the period. There are also spelling errors, including “deccreased,” and the country name needs the article in “the Philippines.” Aim for more precise trend language and check spelling and collocations. This would make the account clearer and less repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You produce several understandable simple sentences and attempt more complex forms, for example, “Overall, it can be seen that …” and “Moreover, it is expected to be …”. However, the sentence patterns are repetitive, and errors occur often enough to affect accuracy. Examples include “in Philippines” (missing article), “from 1970” where “from 1970” should be paired with “to 2040,” “the the population,” and “it expected to be” (missing auxiliary verb). The phrase “it is expected to 50 per cent” also needs a grammatical construction such as “is expected to reach.” Tense and sentence structure should be checked when describing past data and forecasts. Practise varying sentence forms while ensuring each clause has the necessary subject and verb.

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