Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-12

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 line graph provides the data about the proportions of the population in four Asian countries resident in cities between 1970 to 2020 and their prediction for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, two cities which is Malaysia and Indonesia shows progressive increase throughout the years. Meanwhile, the remaining two countries Philippines and Thailand show some fluctuation before showing stabilize growth.

Malaysia population percentage initially higher among all four with 30 million percentage and shows a progressive incline till 2040 result on first place among all mention cities with proportion of approximately 80 million.Meanwhile, the Indonesia initially begin with least percentage among all with percentage just above 10 million shows stable rise till 1980,before showing a significant increase till 2040 standing on second place among all cities.

Remaining two cities Thailand and Philippines shows stand on third place with some fluctuations through out the year but still shows continuous increase till the end of 2040 with percentage of

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the overall upward movement in Malaysia and Indonesia and note that the Philippines fluctuates, which shows some understanding of the main trends. However, the report is only partially developed: the final comparison is unfinished, ending with “with percentage of”, and Thailand’s and the Philippines’ actual figures and relative positions are not clearly reported. Some details are inaccurate or imprecise: the graph shows percentages, not “million percentage,” and Malaysia begins at about 30%, not 30 million. The overview also says the Philippines and Thailand stabilize, although both rise overall and Thailand’s increase is gradual. To strengthen the response, give a complete overview and select a few accurate comparisons, including the countries’ approximate end values and notable changes over time.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic overall structure: an introduction, an overview, and paragraphs describing the countries. Linking expressions such as “Overall,” “Meanwhile,” and “before” help signal relationships between ideas. However, progression is weakened by grouping countries in a way that leaves the final comparison incomplete, and the last sentence stops before its key information is given. The repeated use of “Meanwhile” and “shows” also makes connections feel mechanical, while references such as “the remaining two countries” are not followed by a clear, balanced account of both. Organise the body into clear comparisons and ensure each paragraph develops a complete point; use linking words selectively and make references to each country explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant vocabulary for describing trends, including “proportions,” “fluctuation,” “increase,” and “significant increase.” This gives the report a basic range suited to the task. However, several noticeable word-choice and collocation problems make parts difficult to interpret. “30 million percentage” confuses a proportion with a population count, while “progressive incline” and “standing on second place” are unnatural in this context. “Shows stabilize growth” also uses an unsuitable form and collocation. Aim for precise chart language and avoid repeating “shows”: for example, use “the proportion rose,” “ranked second,” and “levelled off” only where the data supports it. Check that every noun and unit accurately describes a percentage.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and more extended sentences, using structures such as “before showing a significant increase” and “which is Malaysia and Indonesia.” However, errors are frequent and sometimes make relationships unclear. Subject–verb agreement is inconsistent in “two cities … shows” and “the remaining two countries … shows”; the countries are not cities, and plural subjects require “show.” The opening phrase “between 1970 to 2020” also has an incorrect preposition pattern, and “their prediction” does not agree naturally with the plural years. Punctuation and spacing are inconsistent, including missing spaces after full stops and commas. Practise accurate subject–verb agreement, articles and prepositions, and proofread sentence boundaries; simpler, complete sentences would improve clarity while you build control of complex forms.

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