Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-14

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 provided line graph illustrates the proportion of population in urban areas of four Asian countries- Philippines,Malaysia,Thailandand Indonasia between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030and 2040. Overall, the population in all four countries increased drastically,While Malaysia consistently having the highest proportion throughout the period.

To begin with, Malaysia accounted for 30% of it's residents residing in urban areas. This proportion increased steadily to 60%by 2000 and further rose to 75% by 2020. However, it is expected to reach a peak of 85%by 2040. Similarly, Philippines had an average of 31% of its population residing in urban areas. This figure fluctuated and in 2000 it was recorded to be 42% which remained stable at 2020. However, it is expected to gradually rise to a maximum of 50% by 2040.

In contrast, Thailand accounted for 19% of its population in urban areas, which surged to 30%by 2000 and remained notably stable till 2020. it is expected to rise at 45

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the graph’s subject and give an overview that Malaysia has the highest urban share, then report several relevant figures for Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand. However, the overview is inaccurate in saying all four countries increased “drastically”: Thailand’s rise is modest for much of the period, and Malaysia is not highest throughout, since the Philippines is slightly higher in 1970. More importantly, Indonesia is omitted entirely, and the response ends before its trend or the final Thai figure is explained. Some reported details also need closer checking: the Philippines is about 45.5% in 2020, not stable at the 2000 level of about 45.5% after being described as 42% in 2000. Cover all four lines and give a complete, accurate overview of the main comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by paragraphs comparing Malaysia with the Philippines and then Thailand. Sequencing phrases such as “To begin with,” “Similarly,” and “In contrast” help signal relationships between the countries. However, the progression is incomplete: the final paragraph stops at “it is expected to rise at 45” and does not finish the comparison or provide a conclusion, while Indonesia is not integrated into the account. Some linking is also mechanical, with repeated “However” introducing forecasts. Organise the body around clear comparisons across the full period, and ensure each paragraph develops a complete point before moving on.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of task-related language, including “proportion,” “fluctuated,” “surged,” “steadily,” and “remained notably stable.” These choices help describe changes rather than simply list figures. However, some wording is imprecise or awkward: “population in all four countries increased drastically” confuses the urban share with population growth, and “had an average of 31%” is not a clear way to report the Philippines’ starting figure. There are also spelling and presentation slips, including “Indonasia” and missing spaces around country names and percentages. Choose precise terms such as “the proportion living in cities,” and check spelling and collocations so that the data descriptions sound natural and exact.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and more complex forms, including the overview clause “While Malaysia consistently having the highest proportion” and sentences using “which” to connect trends. Meaning is generally recoverable, but errors in verb forms and sentence construction are noticeable. For example, “While Malaysia consistently having” needs a finite verb (“while Malaysia consistently had”), and “it is expected to rise at 45” is an incomplete construction that leaves the forecast unfinished. The opening sentence also has awkward punctuation around the country list, and “it's residents” uses a possessive form incorrectly. Review clause structure, verb forms and punctuation, then proofread each sentence to ensure it is complete and grammatically controlled.

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