Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-18

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 4.0)

The graph illustrates the population of four Asian countries living in the cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions 2030 and 2024, how much population increased after 20 years in Philippines, Malaysia or Thailand and Indonesia.

First of all, the graph shows the percentage of total population in Indonesia in 1970, the twelve percent population lived in 1970, and continously the population of Indonesia is increased till 50 percent, the population prediction 2030 to 2040 are increased 10 percent.

The graph shows the Thailand, percentage of the population living in the cities in 1970, the 19 percent or population are increased continously till 2020, the scientist predictthe population increased10 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.5

The response makes a limited attempt to describe the graph, mentioning Indonesia and Thailand and noting that both rise over time. However, it does not provide a clear overview of the main features or compare all four countries. The opening also misstates the forecast period as “2030 and 2024”; the chart ends at 2040. Some figures and trends are inaccurate or unclear: Indonesia starts at about 14%, not 12%, and reaches about 52% in 2020, while the claim that its forecast rises by 10% does not accurately summarise the increase to 64% by 2040. The Thailand description is similarly vague. The response is 40 words below the required minimum, leaving important information unreported. Include an overview and select accurate comparisons across all four lines.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: an opening sentence is followed by separate comments on Indonesia and Thailand, with “First of all” and “The graph shows” introducing points. However, the ideas do not develop into a clear, complete summary, and the two body sections repeat a similar pattern without connecting the countries or highlighting overall contrasts. The opening sentence is difficult to follow because it combines the time period, forecast, and an unclear statement about increases in one sentence. Use a clear introduction, a concise overview, and logically grouped comparisons—for example, describe Malaysia and Indonesia together as the strongest risers, then contrast them with the Philippines and Thailand.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant task vocabulary, including “percentage,” “population,” “predictions,” and “increased,” so the topic is generally identifiable. However, the range is narrow and several phrases are repetitive or imprecise, such as “the population of Indonesia is increased” and “the scientist predict the population increased.” “How much population increased after 20 years” is also an awkward way to describe changes shown over time. Choose more precise trend language and vary it: for example, “the urban share rose,” “climbed steadily,” or “was projected to reach.” Check spelling and spacing in “continously” and “predictthe.” More accurate vocabulary would help distinguish a percentage-point change from a general increase.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts longer sentences, but control is inconsistent, and several sentence patterns make the relationships between ideas unclear. For example, “the twelve percent population lived in 1970” lacks a clear grammatical structure, while “the population of Indonesia is increased” uses an incorrect verb form. In “the scientist predictthe population increased10 percent,” the missing spaces and unclear tense also interfere with reading. Articles and prepositions are often missing or awkward, as in “in the cities in 1970.” Most clauses rely on simple, repeated structures, with little accurate variety. Build clear sentences using a subject and correctly formed verb, such as “Indonesia’s urban population rose from about 14% in 1970 to 52% in 2020,” and use “is projected to rise” for forecasts.

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