Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The rendered line chart illustates the information about the population in four asian nations who are living in urban areas from 1970 to 2020 with predictions for 2030 and 2040. The data is calibrated in percentage.

After taking the statistical data into account, it may infer that in 1970, ratio of Philippines people who lived in cities was highest which was recorded as 31%, followed by malaysians who also lived in developed areas with 30%. However, only 11% people were noticed in Indonesia who live their life in cities. In next years ratio of people who live in cities in Malaysia was increased repidly whereas percentage of people who live in cities in Philippines fluctuating between 30 and 50 in all given years.

Turning towards the rest of details, it can be clearly seen that ratio of people live in cities from Indonesia was supassed to ratio of citizens who live in cities during 2000. After that it also cut the ratio of people who live in developed areas in Thailand during 2010.

Overall, it is readily approant that majority of people live in cities in Malaysia in over the years than others.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the chart’s subject and make a relevant overall observation that Malaysia had the highest urban share over the period, while also noting changes in the Philippines and Indonesia. However, the summary is only partial: it gives little account of Thailand’s steady rise or the projected figures, and the overview does not capture the main contrast between Malaysia’s strong growth and the Philippines’ fluctuations. Some details are inaccurate: the Philippines, not Malaysia, was slightly highest in 1970 (about 32% versus 30%), and Indonesia was about 14%, rather than 11%. The statement that Indonesia overtook Thailand in 2000 is also incorrect; their figures were approximately equal then, with Indonesia moving ahead later. Select and compare the key trends more accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic paragraph structure, moving from an introduction to early figures, then further comparisons and a concluding overview. This gives the reader some organisation, and phrases such as “Turning towards the rest of details” signal a shift. However, progression is not consistently clear: the second paragraph moves from 1970 to later years without specifying the stages, and the third paragraph’s comparisons are difficult to follow because the groups being compared are not always named clearly. Linking phrases are also somewhat mechanical, while the final “Overall” repeats a point already made rather than synthesising the main trends. Organise the body around clear comparisons—for example, Malaysia and the Philippines, then Indonesia and Thailand—and use precise references to maintain continuity.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-related vocabulary, including “percentage,” “fluctuating,” “predictions,” and “ratio,” and the meaning is generally recoverable. However, the range is limited and several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for describing a graph. “Developed areas” does not mean urban areas, and “cut the ratio” is not an appropriate way to describe one series overtaking another. There are also noticeable spelling errors, such as “illustates,” “repidly,” “supassed,” and “approant,” which reduce precision. Prefer standard chart language and avoid repeatedly using “people who live in cities.” For example, describe the “proportion of the population living in urban areas” and say that one figure “rose” or “overtook” another.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a subordinate clause in “whereas percentage of people … in Philippines fluctuating.” However, complex constructions are often faulty, and errors in articles, agreement, and verb forms occur frequently enough to make some sentences awkward or unclear. Examples include “ratio of Philippines people,” “percentage … was increased,” and “ratio of people live in cities.” The sentence beginning “After taking the statistical data into account” also uses an unnatural structure before “it may infer,” leaving the subject of the inference unclear. Use straightforward, controlled patterns such as “The proportion in Malaysia increased rapidly” and “Indonesia’s figure overtook Thailand’s in 2010.” Check articles and ensure each clause has a correctly formed verb.

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