Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-28

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 given below tells about the percentage of the population among four asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, along with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

We can see that in the 1970 Philippines is the first among the countries and next comes the Malaysia. So over the years, on comparing the Philippines and Malaysia we can clearly see that the population of the Malaysia have been increased but for Philippines it's not the case. On 1970 it showed some increase in population but again in 2010 it decreased and then with predictions for 2030 and 2040 it says that the population of the Philippines will increase.

Next coming to another two Asian countries which is Thailand and Indonesia. Among the four countries Thailand is in third position in the year 1970. And in the year 2000, Thailand and Indonesia have same population count. It has been same till 2020. With predictions for 2030 and 2040 it shows increased in population. The population of the Indonesia have been increased rapidly after 2000. In the year 2010, Philippines and Indonesia have same count.

With predictions for 2030 and 2040, the order of the Asian countries which will have more population are Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the countries and make several relevant comparisons, including Malaysia’s rise and Indonesia’s rapid growth after 2000. However, the response does not give a clear, accurate overview of the main trends across the whole period, and some comparisons are incorrect. Thailand and Indonesia are equal only around 2000; they do not remain equal through 2020, when Indonesia is much higher. The statement that the Philippines and Indonesia have the same figure in 2010 is also inaccurate. Your final ranking for 2030 and 2040 is correct, but the account is selective and leaves out important features, such as Malaysia becoming the highest and Indonesia overtaking the Philippines. A clearer overview and more accurate key data would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic paragraph structure: it first discusses the Philippines and Malaysia, then Thailand and Indonesia, and ends with a forecast comparison. This gives the reader some sense of organisation. However, progression is limited because the report groups countries without consistently comparing their trends, and several linking phrases are repetitive or awkward, such as “Next coming to another two Asian countries” and repeated uses of “With predictions for 2030 and 2040.” References such as “It has been same till 2020” are unclear about which figures or countries are meant. Organise the report around an overview followed by clear comparisons, and use precise references and transitions to connect the data.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant basic vocabulary, including “increased,” “decreased,” “rapidly,” and “predictions,” so the general subject is understandable. However, the range is limited and some expressions are imprecise or unnatural for describing a graph. For example, “population count” suggests numbers of people rather than percentages, while “the order … which will have more population” is an awkward way to describe the projected ranking. Repetition of “population” and “increase” also reduces precision. Use graph-specific terms such as “proportion,” “share,” “rise,” “fall,” “overtake,” and “remain stable,” while ensuring that the chosen word accurately describes the trend.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt some longer sentences with clauses, for example, “So over the years, on comparing the Philippines and Malaysia…” and “With predictions for 2030 and 2040…,” but control is inconsistent and many sentences rely on simple patterns. Errors in agreement and verb forms occur in phrases such as “the population of the Malaysia have been increased” and “the population of the Indonesia have been increased.” Articles and prepositions are also often inaccurate, as in “in the 1970” and “On 1970.” These errors do not prevent the reader from following the general topic, but they make the report less clear and natural. Practise accurate past-tense descriptions and subject–verb agreement, and check articles and time expressions.

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