Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-05

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 6.0)

The line graph illustrates the proportion of population living in cities between 1970 to 2020, with assumption from 2030 to 2040.

Overall, it is clearly noticeable that all four countries are expected to increase. Malaysia remain the most highest country throughout the period, while Indonesia shows the most dramatic lowest starting point.

In 1970, Philippines had the highest population at 30% figure rose up to 50%, slightly decline then again leveled up to roughly 50% in 2040. This is closely followed by Malaysia started from 30% , dramatically jumped up to 60 in 2000 and at the end 80% in 2040.

Whereas, Thailand had 19% in 1970, increased to 30% in 2010 and 50% in 2040. While Indonesia had 12% in 1970, and sharply increased to 60% and become second highest country. In summary, all four countries are expected to become more urbanised, Malaysia will remain far ahead of the others.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You provide an overview of the broad upward trend and identify Malaysia as the leading country by the end, while also comparing the countries in the body. However, several details are inaccurate or unclear. The Philippines did not reach 50% before declining: it peaked at about 48% in 1990, fell to around 42.5% in 2010, then rose to roughly 55.5% by 2040. Malaysia was not the highest throughout, since the Philippines was slightly higher in 1970. Indonesia reaches about 64%, not 60%, in 2040. The overview also calls Indonesia’s starting point “the most dramatic lowest point,” which does not clearly describe the key trend. More precise comparisons and coverage of the main turning points would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview and two paragraphs of country details. The final sentence reinforces the overall upward trend, and phrases such as “Whereas” and “While” attempt to connect comparisons. However, the progression is not always smooth: the Philippines and Malaysia are grouped together, then Thailand and Indonesia, but the comparisons within each group are not consistently developed. Some linking words are awkwardly attached, as in “Whereas, Thailand…” and “While Indonesia…,” and the final “In summary” repeats the overview rather than adding a clear comparison. Organise the details around clearer contrasts, such as Malaysia’s strong rise versus the Philippines’ fluctuation, and use linking devices more naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a reasonable range of task-related vocabulary, including “proportion,” “dramatically,” “sharply increased” and “urbanised,” which helps communicate trends. Some choices, however, are imprecise or unnatural for describing a graph. “Assumption” does not accurately introduce forecast years, and “the most dramatic lowest point” combines ideas in a confusing way. “Leveled up” is informal and does not clearly describe the Philippines’ recovery, while “population at 30% figure” is an awkward collocation. These choices do not prevent the reader from understanding the general message, but more precise trend language and natural collocations would improve clarity. Aim to distinguish a peak, a decline, a recovery and a forecast rather than relying on broad intensifiers.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including comparisons and clauses linked with “while,” and the main trends are generally understandable. Some grammatical errors remain, particularly with verb forms, agreement and sentence construction. For example, “Malaysia remain” should be “Malaysia remains,” and “Malaysia started from 30%” needs a complete, correctly structured clause such as “Malaysia started at 30%.” The opening phrase “between 1970 to 2020” uses an incorrect preposition pattern; use “from 1970 to 2020” or “between 1970 and 2020.” In “Philippines had the highest population at 30% figure rose,” the clauses need clearer punctuation and a grammatical link. More consistently complete sentences would strengthen accuracy.

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