Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-15

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 percentage of the population in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines living in cities between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population people living in cities have increased in all four countries. Malaysia's population living in cities was less than Philippines in 1970, but it is predicted that it will be highest in future. The Thailand was higher than Indonesia but Indonesia will pass it in the coming days.

The population of Malaysia living in urban areas was around 30% of the total population. It is predicted to it would pass 80% by the year 2040. The proportion of citizens living in cities was higher than Malaysia, however it is thought that will be more than 50% by 2040.

The number of people living in cities in Thailand was below 20%, and people think that it could go above 50% in the coming years. Indonesia was the less urban populated country in 1970, however the experts believe that in future about 60% of the nation would live in cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the topic and give an overview of broad upward trends, including Malaysia’s projected lead and Indonesia’s rise relative to Thailand. However, several key comparisons are unclear or inaccurate. The statement that Thailand was higher than Indonesia is true initially, but the crossover is not described precisely: Indonesia overtakes Thailand around 2000 and remains ahead. The paragraph about Malaysia then says “the proportion … was higher than Malaysia,” without identifying which country, so the comparison cannot be followed. Some figures are also too vague: Malaysia starts at about 30% and reaches roughly 84%, while Indonesia rises from about 14% to 64%. Select and report these main features more clearly, and cover the Philippines’ rise, fall and later recovery.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable introduction, overview and country-focused paragraphs, so the reader can identify the general subject and some trends. However, the progression between details is not consistently clear. In the third paragraph, “The proportion of citizens living in cities was higher than Malaysia” does not name the country being discussed, and the shift from Malaysia to another series is abrupt. The final paragraph groups Thailand and Indonesia but does not explain their changing relationship. Linking phrases such as “however” and “in future” are used, but they do not always make the comparison precise. Organise the body by clear comparisons or by country, name each subject explicitly, and use transitions to show how the trends relate.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of task-related vocabulary, including “percentage,” “predictions,” “urban areas,” “proportion” and “total population.” These choices help communicate the graph’s subject, and the meaning is generally understandable. Some expressions are imprecise or unnatural, however: “population people living in cities,” “the less urban populated country,” and “in the coming days” do not describe long-term projections appropriately. Repetition of “living in cities” also limits flexibility. Use standard trend language such as “the share of the population living in urban areas,” “the least urbanised country,” and “in the coming decades.” More precise vocabulary would also help distinguish a population count from a percentage.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast with “but” and a prediction clause beginning “it is predicted that.” The main ideas remain understandable, but some errors in agreement, articles and clause construction reduce accuracy. For example, “the population people … have increased” has an unclear subject and mismatched agreement; “The Thailand was higher” uses an unnecessary article; and “It is predicted to it would pass 80%” combines incompatible structures. In “it is thought that will be more than 50%,” the clause also lacks a clear subject. Practise building complete clauses with an explicit subject, and keep prediction patterns consistent, for example, “It is predicted to exceed 80%” or “It is predicted that it will exceed 80%.”

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