Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-27

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 4.5)

The given graph represents the percentage of population in four Asian countries living from 1970 to 2020 with analysis for 2030 and 2040.

overall in the graph their was four Asian countries like , Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

to begin, Malaysia has highest percentage of population living in cities in 1997 they reach allmost 30 percentage but in 2040 they reach more than 80%

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the topic and names all four countries, and it attempts to report a comparison for Malaysia. However, it covers very little of the graph: there is no clear overview of the main trends, and the other countries’ figures and changes are not described. The statement that Malaysia reached “almost 30 percentage” in 1997 is inaccurate: the chart shows about 30% in 1970, while 1997 is not a plotted year and the figure around 1990 is about 45.5%. The prediction of more than 80% by 2040 is broadly accurate. The response is also substantially below the required 150 words. To improve, summarise the overall patterns and compare key starting points, changes and projected endpoints.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic attempt to organise the response, moving from an introduction to a brief overview and then a detail about Malaysia. The linking phrases “overall” and “to begin” signal these stages, but the progression is not developed: the overview merely lists the countries, and the final paragraph ends without covering the remaining data or drawing comparisons. Paragraphing is present, though the second paragraph does not function as a meaningful overview. Build a clearer sequence by giving an overview of the main trends first, then grouping countries with similar patterns or contrasting changes. Use connectors to show relationships between figures, rather than relying on a few general transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The response uses some relevant task vocabulary, including “percentage,” “population,” “countries,” and “reach,” so the basic subject is understandable. However, the range is limited and several choices are inaccurate or imprecise. “Living from 1970 to 2020” does not express the chart’s subject clearly; use “living in cities.” “Analysis for 2030 and 2040” should be “projections for 2030 and 2040.” The phrase “they reach almost 30 percentage” is also awkward; describe the figure as “about 30%.” Spelling errors such as “allmost” reduce accuracy. Use precise trend language such as “rose,” “declined,” and “is projected to increase,” alongside accurate percentage expressions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts simple statements and a longer sentence, but grammatical control is inconsistent. For example, “overall in the graph their was four” has an incorrect verb form and agreement; it should be “Overall, there were four countries.” In “Malaysia has highest percentage,” the article is missing, and “in 1997 they reach” combines an incorrect time reference with an unsuitable tense for past data. The final clause, “in 2040 they reach more than 80%,” also needs a future or prediction form, such as “is projected to exceed 80%.” Sentence structures are mostly basic, with little accurate variety. Practise past-tense descriptions for historical data and future forms for projections, while checking articles, agreement and punctuation.

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