Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-30

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 5.5)

The line graph compares the data of population living in urban areas of four different Asian countries in the last five decades,1970 to 2020. Moreover, assumptions of increasing population for 2030 and 2040 is also mentioned. Overall, the four line graphs show variations in the pattern, Malaysia would have the highest population in cities in 2040 as compare to other countries, whereas, Indonesia had the lowest population livng in cities in the year 1970.

30% population of both Phillippines and Malaysia lived in cities n 1970, however, the pattern of Malaysia shows gradualslightly increase pattern increase in the population over the years as 40% in 1980, 45% in 1990, 60% in 2000, 70% in 2010, 75% in 2020, 80% in 2030 and finally 90% in 2040. Phillippines show fluctuations in the pattern, firstly, the population was almost uniform from 1970 to 1980. Secondly, it increased slightly to 50% in 1990, however, it decreased to almost 40% in 2010. Lastly the pattern shows gradual increase.

Thailand and Indonesia both show slowly increasing pattern on the graph, however, Thailand also show some uniform pattern also from the year 1990 to 2020.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the overall upward direction and correctly note that Malaysia is projected to have the highest urban share in 2040, while Indonesia is lowest in 1970. You also report several broadly accurate figures for Malaysia and the Philippines. However, the overview is incomplete: it does not highlight Indonesia’s particularly strong rise or the contrast between its growth and the Philippines’ fluctuations. Some details are inaccurate, including Malaysia at about 90% in 2040 (the graph shows roughly 84%), and the Philippines at 50% in 1990 (about 48%). Thailand and Indonesia receive only a brief, general description, with no figures or meaningful comparison. Select the main trends for all four countries and support them with accurate key data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic structure, moving from an introduction and overview to country details, and grouping Malaysia with the Philippines before discussing Thailand and Indonesia. This gives the reader some sense of organisation. However, progression is uneven because the final paragraph makes only broad statements and does not develop the comparison between Thailand and Indonesia. Linking expressions such as “however,” “firstly,” “secondly,” and “lastly” are sometimes mechanical or do not clearly show the relationship between points. The overview also runs into the introduction rather than standing out clearly. Use a separate overview paragraph, then organise the body around clear comparisons, with each paragraph covering trends and supporting figures.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “urban areas,” “fluctuations,” “gradual increase,” and “uniform,” so the reader can generally understand the subject. However, the range is limited and several phrases are awkward or repetitive, such as “shows gradualslightly increase pattern increase” and “slowly increasing pattern.” There are also noticeable spelling and word-form errors, including “Phillippines,” “livng,” and “assumptions” where “projections” would be more suitable. These inaccuracies reduce precision, especially when describing trends. Aim for concise, accurate collocations such as “rose steadily,” “remained relatively stable,” and “was projected to reach,” and check spelling and word forms before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including clauses linked with “however” and “whereas,” and the main meaning is usually recoverable. Nevertheless, errors occur in sentence construction, agreement, articles, and punctuation. For example, “assumptions of increasing population … is also mentioned” has an unclear noun phrase and incorrect agreement, while “Thailand also show” should use a singular verb. The opening sentence also needs clearer punctuation around the date range, and “30% population” is missing an article or possessive structure. Some longer sentences become difficult to follow because clauses are joined without clear control. Practise accurate sentence patterns for comparisons and projections, and proofread agreement and punctuation.

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