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 graph plots between x-axis and the y-axis. The given graph is describing the population in four Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) living in cities. The x-axis is representing years while the y-axis showing percentage of total population. The graph states the population from 1970 to 2020 with predictions for the next 10 years from 2030 to 2040.

Let's summarize the given information. In the graph, we can see population in the Malaysia is leading from 30% to 80% as compare to other three countries. However, there is a significant numbers for the Philippines, from 30% to 50%. The graph shows the results from 20% to 40% for the Thailand. We have unusual figures for the Indonesia. In 1970, the percentage of population was 10% but it raised in the graph to around 60% and that is the second largest line. It means Indonesia must be one of the most populated country in the world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the chart’s subject and mention all four countries, and you report the broad upward movement for Malaysia and Indonesia. However, the response only partially selects and reports the main features: it gives few precise comparisons and omits important patterns, such as Malaysia becoming the highest by 2000 and Indonesia overtaking the Philippines around 2010. Some figures are inaccurate or too vague: Malaysia reaches about 84%, not 80%, by 2040, while Thailand rises from about 18% to 50%, rather than simply “20% to 40%.” The claim that Indonesia’s urban growth means it is one of the world’s most populated countries is unsupported by this graph. Focus on urban percentages, give a clear overview, and support it with accurate comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic sequence: an introduction, followed by a paragraph describing selected figures. The opening identifies the axes and time period, so the reader can understand the topic. However, the progression is limited, and the repeated framing “The graph…” and “In the graph…” makes the report feel like a list rather than a connected summary. “Let’s summarize the given information” does not add useful organisation, and “However” does not clearly signal a contrast in the following point. Group the countries by their trends—for example, the strongest growth versus the more moderate rise—and use comparisons to link the figures. A concise overview before the details would also make the structure clearer.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant topic vocabulary such as “percentage,” “predictions,” “population,” and “leading,” and the meaning is generally understandable. However, the range is limited and several expressions are imprecise or unnatural for describing a line graph. “The graph plots between x-axis and the y-axis” is unclear, while “significant numbers” does not accurately describe a percentage trend. “The results from 20% to 40%” is also vague, and “the second largest line” should refer to the proportion or figure, not the line itself. The final claim about being “one of the most populated country” shifts away from the chart’s measure. Use precise trend language such as “rose,” “remained,” “peaked,” and “was projected to reach,” alongside accurate terms for proportions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple statements and longer sentences, and most of the intended meaning can be followed. There are, however, recurring errors in sentence construction and agreement. For example, “The x-axis is representing years while the y-axis showing percentage” lacks a finite verb in the second clause; write “while the y-axis shows the percentage.” In “a significant numbers,” the determiner and noun do not agree, and “one of the most populated country” needs a plural noun. The phrase “the population in the Malaysia” also uses an unnecessary article. Some sentences rely on basic patterns, so practise combining accurate comparisons with clauses such as “whereas” and “while.” Check articles, subject–verb forms, and singular/plural agreement during revision.

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