Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-22

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 line graph provides data in precentage of popultion amoung four Asian countries, namily Philippine, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 to 2020, whereas also predict for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population has increased in all the counteries, whereas as major rose was in Phillippine slight increase in Thailand.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the chart’s subject and names all four countries, and it attempts an overview. However, it does not report any figures or describe the main trends accurately: the claim that the largest rise was in the Philippines is incorrect, since Indonesia and Malaysia show much stronger overall growth. The statement that Thailand had only a slight increase is broadly consistent with its relatively gradual rise, but it is not supported with data or comparison. The response also omits the countries’ differing patterns and the projected figures. It is substantially below the required 150 words, leaving the task only minimally addressed. To improve, include a clear overview and select key figures to compare the countries across the period.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The response has a basic two-part structure: an opening sentence introduces the graph, followed by an attempted overall summary. The linking word “Overall” signals the shift to the overview, so the reader can recognise the intended organisation. However, there is too little information to establish a logical progression or develop comparisons, and the second sentence’s contrast with “whereas” is unclear. The opening also combines the time span and forecast information awkwardly rather than presenting them in a clear sequence. Use separate, purposeful paragraphs for the introduction, overview and key details, and connect comparisons explicitly—for example, contrast Malaysia’s high projected level with Thailand’s slower growth.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses a small set of relevant terms, including “line graph,” “population,” “Asian countries” and “increase,” which makes the general topic recognisable. However, the vocabulary range is very limited, and several spelling errors—“precentage,” “popultion,” “counteries” and “Phillippine”—make the writing less clear and less controlled. Some word choices are also inaccurate or unnatural, such as “major rose” and “slight increase” without a clear comparison. Build a wider set of chart language, including “urban population,” “rose steadily,” “peaked,” “declined,” and “was projected to reach.” Check spellings carefully and use precise country names, especially “the Philippines.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts a complex opening sentence using “whereas,” and the overview is expressed in a separate sentence. However, grammatical control is weak and the sentence patterns are limited. In “between 1970 to 2020,” the time expression uses an incorrect preposition pattern; write “between 1970 and 2020” or “from 1970 to 2020.” The phrase “whereas also predict” lacks a clear subject and a correctly formed verb, while “the population has increased” does not clearly refer to the four separate countries. The second sentence also has an incomplete or unclear comparison after “whereas.” Practise accurate past-tense descriptions and complete clauses, then use simple comparative structures before attempting longer sentences.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.