Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The given line graph illustrates the information on the ratio of people living in cities of several Asian countries over half a decade, with predictions for the upcoming years.

Overall, it looks like more people tend to choose to live in the cities of the Philippines and Malaysia earlier. Despite this, the percentage of the population surged from the second most popular place to the first choice of where to live. On the other hand, Thailand and Indonesia were the least popular choices. However, Indonesia managed to surpass other countries and become the second most popular among these Asian countries.

Initially, in 1970, 30% of the total population lived in the Malaysian city, which then climbed to around 80% and became one of the most liveable cities in Asia. Whereas the Philippines was at the top earlier, the percentage fluctuates over the time and will be predicted on the third. Although, Indonesia was at the least choice by around 13% however will sharpe rise could be predicted at around 58% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the broad subject and mention several relevant trends, including Malaysia’s rise and Indonesia’s growth from a low starting point. However, the overview is unclear and some comparisons are inaccurate or unsupported. The claim that the Philippines and Malaysia were the preferred places “earlier” does not describe the urbanisation percentages precisely, and saying Indonesia became the second most popular is not supported: Malaysia remains highest, while Indonesia is projected to reach about 64%, ahead of the Philippines and Thailand. The report also omits Thailand’s gradual rise and gives little account of the Philippines’ fluctuations. Select the main trends clearly, compare the four countries, and support them with accurate figures.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic paragraph structure, moving from an introduction and overview to some figures, and connectors such as “Overall,” “On the other hand,” and “Initially” show an attempt to guide the reader. However, there is no clear progression through the data: the final paragraph jumps between Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia, while Thailand is not discussed. Some linking phrases also create confusing relationships, particularly “Despite this” and “Although … however,” which make the overview difficult to follow. Organise the body by meaningful trends or time periods, and use fewer, more precise transitions so each comparison follows logically from the previous one.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant vocabulary for describing trends, including “climbed,” “fluctuates,” “surged,” and “predicted,” and the meaning is generally recoverable. However, several choices are imprecise or unnatural for this chart: “ratio” is not the best term for a percentage, “over half a decade” misrepresents the time span, and “the Malaysian city” suggests one city rather than the country’s urban population. Phrases such as “most popular choices” and “liveable cities” also confuse urbanisation with preference or quality of life. Use precise terms such as “proportion of the population living in urban areas” and describe the figures as rising, falling or remaining stable.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including a contrast clause beginning “Whereas” and a sentence with “Although.” However, complex constructions are often faulty, and errors sometimes make the relationships between ideas difficult to understand. For example, “the percentage fluctuates over the time and will be predicted on the third” has an unclear verb construction and an incomplete comparison; “Although … however” duplicates the contrast structure; and “will sharpe rise could be predicted” combines incompatible verb forms. Articles and number are also inconsistent in “the Malaysian city.” Build shorter, complete sentences first, then check tense, clause structure and punctuation when adding contrasts.

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