Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-01

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 graph illustrate about the percentage of the population of Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia living in cities between 1970 and 2020 and predicts for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, population of philippines dramatically increases and becomes top at the end of period, whereas Thailand remains at the bottom of the chart.

In 1970, the largest proportions of Philippines, at 31%, lived in cities, closely followed by Malaysia (30%).

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the countries and time span, and it attempts an overview by noting a rise for the Philippines and Thailand’s low position. However, the overview is inaccurate: the Philippines does not become the highest series by 2040; Malaysia is highest throughout the later years and is projected to reach about 84%, compared with roughly 56% for the Philippines. The statement that Thailand remains at the bottom is also not true for the whole period, as Indonesia is lower in 1970 and 1980. Only one starting-year comparison is reported, with no account of the main changes or projections. The response is also substantially below the required 150 words, leaving the task only minimally covered.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic, recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a detail sentence beginning “In 1970.” The ideas are generally easy to follow, and “Overall” signals the summary. However, the response ends before developing a clear progression through the graph, so the reader receives no organised account of later years or comparisons among the four countries. Cohesive links are sparse, and the overview’s claims are not followed by supporting details. To improve, group the information into a clear overview and one or two chronological or comparative paragraphs, using links such as “by contrast,” “while,” and “thereafter” to show relationships between trends.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to identify the topic and make a few basic comparisons, with phrases such as “proportions,” “closely followed by,” and “at the bottom of the chart.” There is also an attempt at more descriptive language in “dramatically increases.” However, the range is limited by the very short response, and some choices are imprecise or awkward: “illustrate about” is not a natural way to introduce what a graph shows, while “becomes top” is unclear. Capitalisation of “Philippines” is inconsistent. Use precise chart language such as “shows,” “the proportion living in cities,” and “recorded the highest figure,” and vary trend vocabulary to describe rises, falls, and projections.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response includes a few simple sentence patterns and one complex comparison using “whereas,” so the basic meaning is mostly understandable. However, grammatical control is uneven. In “The graph illustrate,” the singular subject requires “illustrates,” and “population of philippines” needs an article and correct capitalisation in the country name. The opening sentence also has an awkward structure around “and predicts,” making it unclear whether the graph or the figures are being predicted. The sentence “In 1970, the largest proportions of Philippines, at 31%, lived in cities” has an unclear subject and faulty article use. Practise accurate subject–verb agreement, articles, and clear sentence construction before attempting longer comparisons.

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

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