Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-19

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 presented graph below represents percentages of population in four asain countries residing in cities from 1970 to 2020, followed by predictions made for 2030 and 2040, specifically of countries like Phillippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It can be fairly conclude that Malaysia shows highest growth while Thailand ends up lowest in the graph.

The given graph depicts that in 1970, Thailand and Indonesia shows 15 to 20 % growth which boosts up to 30 % and 50 % respectively by 2020. Moreover they are predicted to cross 40-50 % by 2040. Philippines and Malaysia both shows growth of 30 % in 1970 , which increased only up to 40 % in case of Philippines but rocketed upto 70 % for Malaysia in 2020, with prediction going upto 80 %. Philippines was the only country that shows decline in population between the year 1990 to 2010, falling from 50 % to almost 40 %.

It can be observed that all 4 asain countries apperars to be growing with a impressive rate

and they are predicted to grow further by 2030 and 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the overall upward movement and highlight two important features: Malaysia’s strong rise and the Philippines’ decline between 1990 and 2010. The comparisons are generally relevant, and the final overview notes that all four countries are expected to grow. However, some details are imprecise: Thailand is not the lowest by 2040, as the Philippines is projected to be about 56% while Thailand reaches about 50%; Malaysia is the highest. The claim that Thailand and Indonesia reach “30% and 50% respectively” by 2020 is broadly accurate, but the Philippines’ 2020 figure is closer to 46%, rather than the earlier “40%.” Develop the overview with clearer end-point comparisons and report the main trends more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview, a paragraph comparing the countries, and a concluding summary. Linking expressions such as “Moreover” and “It can be observed” help connect points, and the reader can follow the broad direction of the data. However, the progression is not consistently clear. The opening overview says Thailand ends lowest, while the final paragraph only gives a general prediction, leaving the key comparison unresolved. The second paragraph also groups countries by starting values, then shifts to a decline in the Philippines without a clear organising principle. Arrange the body around the strongest rises and the contrasting Philippine trend, and use references such as “by 2020” consistently to clarify comparisons.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of task-related vocabulary, including “predictions,” “decline,” “falling,” and “rocketed,” so the main trends are understandable. Some choices, however, are imprecise or too informal for an academic report. “Growth” is repeatedly used where “proportion” or “percentage” is intended, and “rocketed” is more dramatic than the data requires. There are also spelling errors in “asain,” “Phillippines,” and “apperars,” alongside awkward phrases such as “shows highest growth.” Aim for accurate, neutral descriptions of data and check country names carefully. More precise verbs such as “rose,” “increased,” and “remained” will help you describe changes without overstating them.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “Philippines was the only country that shows decline…” and a contrast using “while.” The overall meaning is usually clear, but some grammatical errors recur. Subject–verb agreement is inconsistent: “Thailand and Indonesia shows” and “Philippines and Malaysia both shows” should use “show.” The phrase “It can be fairly conclude” needs a passive form (“concluded”), and “all 4 … appears” has a plural subject requiring “appear.” Tense control also needs attention when describing past data: use “showed” rather than “shows.” Review articles and punctuation as well, particularly the missing article in “shows decline” and spacing before commas.

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