Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)

The line graph illustrates the number of people living in cities from 1970 to 2020, in four asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia), for prediction in [redacted phone].

About 30% of the population of Malaysia lived in cities in 1970 and it is estimated that about 90% of the population will be living in cities in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the chart as concerning urban populations and names all four countries, and the Malaysia figures it mentions are broadly grounded in the graph: about 30% in 1970 and a high level by 2040. However, it gives only one comparison and no account of the other countries or the main trends, such as Malaysia’s strong rise, Indonesia’s substantial growth, or the Philippines’ fluctuation. The statement that Malaysia will reach about 90% is also an overestimate; the chart shows approximately 84%. The response is far below the required 150 words, leaving the task largely unaddressed. To improve, provide a clear overview and select several accurate figures and comparisons across the period.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The two sentences are understandable and follow a basic sequence: the first introduces the graph, and the second gives a data point and a prediction. This provides a small amount of organisation, but there is no developed progression from an overview to supporting details, and the response ends before comparisons or further information are presented. The link between the two sentences is also limited, with no cohesive wording to show how the Malaysia example relates to the overall trends. Organise a fuller response into an introduction, an overview of the main patterns, and one or two paragraphs comparing the countries. Use clear links such as “by contrast” or “while” where they express genuine relationships.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the basic subject, using relevant terms such as “line graph,” “population,” “cities,” and “prediction.” However, the range is narrow and repetitive, and “number of people” is imprecise because the graph reports percentages rather than absolute numbers. “For prediction” is also an awkward phrase, while “in four asian countries” contains a capitalization error in “Asian.” A longer response would allow you to demonstrate more precise language for describing trends and comparisons, such as “the proportion rose,” “remained relatively stable,” or “was projected to reach.” Choose terms that match the chart’s units and use standard spelling and capitalization.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response uses two complete sentences, and the second sentence combines a past statement with a future prediction in a generally understandable way. However, the grammatical range is very limited: both sentences rely on straightforward structures, with no developed comparisons or varied clauses. In the first sentence, “for prediction in 2030-2040” is not a well-formed grammatical phrase; a construction such as “with predictions for 2030 and 2040” would be clearer. The opening also has a long introductory phrase that would benefit from more controlled sentence construction. Practise using accurate comparative and time clauses, for example, “While Malaysia rose steadily, the Philippines fluctuated.”

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