Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · 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 4.5)

The line graph illustrates the population growth percentage in four asian countries from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for future growth between the years 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be observed that, Malaysia and Indonesia show a steady rise in population from 1970 to 2040 without any major fluctuations, while countries like Philippines and Thailand showed some irregularities during it's run.

Looking at countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, it can be seen that these countries

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 2.5

The response identifies the chart’s subject and gives a broad overview, noting that Malaysia and Indonesia rise steadily while the Philippines and Thailand show irregularities. However, it does not provide the required detailed summary: there are no specific figures, meaningful comparisons, or account of how the four countries change over time. The final paragraph begins to discuss Malaysia and Indonesia but stops before reporting any information. The overview is also partly imprecise: Thailand’s trend is generally gradual rather than notably irregular, while the Philippines fluctuates. The response is substantially below the 150-word minimum, which leaves the task only minimally addressed. To improve, complete the comparison with key values and trends, including the projected outcomes.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic overall structure: an introduction is followed by an overview and an attempted detail paragraph. The opening also establishes the time period, so the reader can identify the topic. However, progression is very limited because the final paragraph ends mid-sentence (“these countries”), leaving the discussion unfinished and without supporting details. The overview’s contrast between the country pairs is not developed, and the linking phrase “Looking at countries like” does not lead into a clear comparison. The comma after “that” in “it can be observed that, Malaysia” also interrupts the sentence unnecessarily. Develop each paragraph around a clear purpose and use comparisons to connect the data logically.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The response uses some suitable chart-related language, including “illustrates,” “predictions,” “steady rise,” and “fluctuations.” These choices show an adequate basic range for describing trends. However, several expressions are imprecise or awkward: “population growth percentage” suggests population growth rather than the proportion living in cities, and “future growth” does not accurately describe the urban-population share. “During it’s run” is also an unsuitable phrase in this context, and “countries like” is informal and vague. The repeated use of “countries” and “rise” further limits variety. Use precise terms such as “urban population,” “proportion,” and “percentage,” and choose trend verbs that distinguish gradual increases from fluctuations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response includes some controlled simple and complex forms, such as “while countries like Philippines and Thailand showed some irregularities,” and the main meaning is generally understandable. However, the range is limited, and the unfinished final sentence prevents the reader from seeing a complete grammatical structure. There are also errors in sentence construction and punctuation: “it can be observed that, Malaysia” has an unnecessary comma after “that,” while “during it’s run” uses a possessive form where a contraction is intended. The time reference shifts from past trends (“showed”) to a general present overview without a clear reason. Practise completing sentences and maintaining consistent tense choices when describing historical data and forecasts.

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