Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-04

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 illustrates the propoption of the population living in cities of four Asian countries , Philippines , Malaysia , Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 and 2020 with futur predictions

Overall , Malaysia and Indonesia had the largest percentage of grewth over all the period . While Thailand had a considerable rose population . In contrast Philippines figures fluctuated by the years .

Indonesia had the smallest population rate by 1970 , then increased dramatically to 29% in 2000 and around 53 % in 2020 with prediction it will growing from 2030 to 2040 to nearly 65% . Meanwhile Malaysia rose greatly from 29% to nearly 75% with predection of more growing in the next 20 years .

On the other hand , Thailand increased slightly from approxime

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the four countries and give a relevant overview, noting Malaysia and Indonesia’s substantial growth and the Philippines’ fluctuations. You also report several broadly accurate figures, such as Indonesia rising to about 53% in 2020 and Malaysia reaching roughly 75%. However, the response addresses the task only partially: the final sentence is cut off at “Thailand increased slightly from approxime,” and the Philippines’ trend is not described in detail. Some claims are imprecise, including “largest percentage of growth,” which does not clearly distinguish growth from the highest urban share. The response is also 21 words below the required minimum. Complete the country comparisons and include a clear account of the main projected trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is some organisation: an opening identifies the graph, a separate overview follows, and the next paragraph discusses Indonesia and Malaysia. Basic linking phrases such as “Overall,” “Meanwhile,” and “On the other hand” help signal relationships. However, progression is limited because the country-by-country account is incomplete and ends mid-sentence, leaving Thailand and the Philippines without a balanced comparison. The overview also combines ideas in a way that is not always clear, particularly “Malaysia and Indonesia had the largest percentage of growth” followed by “While Thailand had a considerable rose population.” Use complete paragraphs with a consistent structure—for example, overview, then two comparison paragraphs—and ensure each linking phrase connects a complete, logically related idea.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant graph vocabulary, including “percentage,” “increased dramatically,” “fluctuated,” and “prediction,” so the topic is generally understandable. However, the range is limited and several spelling and word-choice errors make the writing less clear, such as “propoption,” “grewth,” “predection,” and “approxime.” Some expressions are also unnatural: “considerable rose population” and “with prediction it will growing” do not communicate the intended trends smoothly. Aim for accurate collocations used in data description, such as “the proportion living in cities,” “rose considerably,” and “is projected to increase.” Check spelling carefully, and avoid repeating general verbs like “rose” when more precise alternatives are available.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response includes simple statements and attempts more complex structures, such as “Overall, Malaysia and Indonesia had the largest percentage of growth over all the period.” However, grammatical control is inconsistent, and errors in sentence construction and verb forms sometimes make the meaning difficult to follow. For example, “with prediction it will growing” needs a correctly formed future passive or active construction, while “While Thailand had a considerable rose population” is an incomplete and faulty clause. The opening also lacks a clear grammatical structure around the list of countries and the time period. Practise complete sentences with accurate subject–verb patterns and consistent tense, and use a full stop rather than leaving the final sentence unfinished.

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