Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-17

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 demonstrates the ratio of population in four asian country living in urban area from 1970 till 2020, with pridiction for 2030 and 2040. Overall, the highest percentage is of Malaysia and the lowest is of Thailand for living in cities.

Now turning to the details, for indonesia the percentage of total population was between 10 to 20 percent, till the year 2020 the percentage increases and become 50 percent , and acoording to pridiction it will become 60 percent. Futhermore, if we look at thailand and philippines they have not increase that much as compare to indonesia, in 1970 both the countries were in between 10 to 30 percent and till 2020 both of them stand between 30 and 50 percent but with a slight change in 2040 it will become 40 and 50 percent respectivrly. Moreover, Malaysia started from 30 percent in 1970 and increase gradually in 2020 the percrntage of population become approximately 75 percent and tiil the end of 2040 it will become 80 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the topic and give an overview that Malaysia has the highest urban share, but the overview is incomplete and partly inaccurate: Thailand is the lowest only at the beginning, while the Philippines is lowest in 2020 and Malaysia is highest later. Several key trends are reported too broadly. For example, Indonesia rises from about 14% to 52% by 2020 and is projected to reach about 64%, rather than simply 50% and 60%. The Philippines also fluctuates, peaking around 48% in 1990 before falling and rising again, which is not captured. To strengthen the response, give a more precise overview and select a few accurate comparisons across the full period.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by a paragraph describing the countries. Sequencing phrases such as “Overall,” “Now turning to the details,” and “Furthermore” help signal movement between points. However, the main body places several countries and time periods into long sentences, so comparisons can be difficult to follow. The reference in “they will become 40 and 50 percent respectively” is also unclear, particularly because the figures are approximate and the country order needs careful tracking. Use separate, focused sentences or group countries by trend, and make each comparison explicit. This would make the progression clearer and reduce the mechanical feel of the linking phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “percentage,” “population,” “urban area,” “gradually,” and “prediction,” so the main subject is generally understandable. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, such as “ratio of population,” “the highest percentage is of Malaysia,” and “have not increase that much.” Spelling errors—including “asian,” “pridiction,” “acoording,” and “percrntage”—are noticeable and weaken precision. Aim for standard chart language such as “proportion of the population living in cities,” “recorded the highest figure,” and “rose more modestly.” Check spelling carefully, especially for repeated key terms, and vary verbs for upward and downward movement.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more extended sentence forms, and the overall meaning can usually be followed. However, errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction recur. For example, “the percentage increases and become 50 percent” needs consistent tense and agreement, while “they have not increase” should use a correct auxiliary and verb form. The sentence beginning “Futhermore, if we look at thailand and philippines” also runs through several comparisons without clear grammatical boundaries. Use past tense for the historical data and future forms for projections, and check subject–verb agreement and articles. Shorter, accurately punctuated sentences would help you express the comparisons more reliably.

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