Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-20

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 line graph illustrates the percentage of people living in cities in four Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, between 1970 and 2020, with projections for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population of urban residents increased in all four countries. Malaysia recorded the highest increased in pouplation over the year. On the other hand Thailand had the lowest increase of all the four countries.

In 1970, around 30% of thhe population in both philippines and malaysia lived in cities. Although Thailand and Indonesia population was 13% and 18%. Incresed in Malaysia's population can be seen drastically and in 2040 it will be 85%. On the other hand The Philippines also saw growth initially, rising to nearly 50% in 1990. However, the figure declined slightly to around 43% in 2010 before recovering and is predicted to reach about 56% in 2040.

Indonesia showwed the most dynamic growth in 2000.The population increassed by 30% but in 2024 it grew by 60%. Lastly we have Thailand it grew morre steadily from 18% in 1970 to just 50% in 2040. It is then expected to increase significantly, reaching approximately 50% by the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the graph’s subject and give an overview that urbanisation rises in all four countries, with Malaysia showing the strongest growth and Thailand the weakest. You also include useful details about the Philippines’ rise, dip and recovery. However, the overview is not fully accurate: Thailand does not have the lowest increase overall, since the Philippines’ figure rises by less across the period. Some figures and dates are misreported: Thailand and Indonesia were about 18% and 14% in 1970, respectively, and Indonesia reaches about 52% in 2020, not 60% in 2024. The account also gives limited comparison between the countries. Select the main contrasts accurately and support them with key figures from the chart.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview and paragraphs describing country trends. Linking expressions such as “Overall,” “On the other hand” and “However” help signal contrast. Nevertheless, progression is uneven because the final paragraph moves abruptly from Indonesia to Thailand, and the Thailand trend is repeated: it is said to reach “just 50%” and then to reach “approximately 50%” again. Some connections are unclear, particularly “The population increased by 30% but in 2024 it grew by 60%,” which does not clearly distinguish a percentage level from a change. Grouping countries by comparable trends and using clearer references would make the account easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant vocabulary for describing trends, including “projections,” “declined slightly,” “recovering” and “steadily.” However, the range is limited and several word-choice, collocation and spelling errors reduce precision. “Highest increased” is not a natural phrase, while “population” is repeatedly used where “proportion” or “percentage” is intended. There are also noticeable spelling errors such as “pouplation,” “Incresed” and “showwed.” These do not prevent the reader from understanding the general message, but they make the report less clear and polished. Aim for accurate trend vocabulary and proofread carefully for spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt some complex sentences, for example the sentence beginning “Although Thailand and Indonesia…” and the contrast describing the Philippines’ rise, decline and recovery. However, complex structures are often faulty, and errors occur frequently enough to affect clarity. “Although Thailand and Indonesia population was 13% and 18%” lacks a complete, correctly formed clause; “Indonesia showwed” also has incorrect subject–verb agreement and tense. Other examples include “Malaysia recorded the highest increased” and the inconsistent construction “it grew more steadily.” Work on complete clause structure, agreement, and consistent past versus future forms. Shorter, accurate sentences would help you express the comparisons more reliably.

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