Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-24

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 information about the proportion of four asian countries cities population from 1970 to 2020 and prediction for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the population increased in all nations cities over the given periods. Malaysia sticking for the highest numbers of population in all four nation. Whereas, population numbers for Thailand recorded the lowest. Meanwhile, Philippines and Indonesia population is almost relatively same.

To begin with, In 1970 the Malaysia population started from 30% which stood at 40% in 1980 before increasing further to 50% in 1990. By the year of 2020 the numbers reached to almost 75% and by the year of 2030 it predicted to 80% and about to 82% predicted by the 2040.

Furthermore, The second high percentage population witnessed for Indonesia started from almost 15 percent in 1970 and

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response identifies the general upward trend and correctly notes Malaysia’s high figures, but it addresses the graph only partially. The overview is not fully accurate: Thailand is the lowest only at the beginning; by 2040 the Philippines is higher than Thailand, and Indonesia rises above the Philippines from 2010. The claim that the Philippines and Indonesia are “almost relatively same” overlooks their later divergence. The report gives some Malaysia figures, though its 1990 estimate is too high, and then stops partway through the Indonesia description, leaving Thailand and the Philippines largely unreported. The response is also below the required 150 words. To improve, complete the comparison of all four countries and select accurate key figures for the main changes.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some organisation: an introduction is followed by an overview and then detail paragraphs, and phrases such as “Overall,” “To begin with,” and “Furthermore” signal stages in the response. However, progression is limited because the final paragraph breaks off after “and,” and the account never develops a complete comparison across the four series. The overview’s comparisons are also unclear, particularly the statement that the Philippines and Indonesia are “almost relatively same.” Capitalisation after sentence breaks is inconsistent, and the paragraphing does not yet help the reader follow a full account of the graph. Use one paragraph for the overview and organise the details by meaningful comparisons, ensuring each paragraph is complete.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The response uses a small range of task-related vocabulary, including “proportion,” “increased,” “stood at,” and “reached,” so the main subject is generally recognisable. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, such as “four asian countries cities population,” “Malaysia sticking for the highest numbers,” and “second high percentage population.” These phrases make the description less clear and show limited control of vocabulary for reporting data. “Numbers” is also repeated where “proportions” or “percentages” would be more precise. Aim for standard chart language and accurate country references, for example, “the proportion of the population living in cities” and “Malaysia recorded the highest urban share.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts a few complex forms, including “Whereas…” and “before increasing further,” but most sentences rely on simple patterns, and errors are frequent enough to affect clarity. Examples include “Malaysia sticking for the highest numbers,” which lacks a correctly formed verb, and “it predicted to 80%,” where the passive construction is incomplete. There are also problems with articles, agreement, and sentence boundaries, as in “the Malaysia population” and the fragment beginning “Whereas, population numbers…”. Capital letters are inconsistent after full stops. Practise complete subject–verb structures and accurate past and future forms, such as “Malaysia’s figure rose” and “it is predicted to reach 80%.”

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

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