Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-09

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 graph shows information about the percentage of population in four Asian countries between the year 1970 and 2020 along with the predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, from the line graph it can be concieved that all the population percentage of Malaysia and Indonesia consist of a upward incline which refers to the rising population. On the other hand, the percentage of population of Philippines and Thailand shows fluctuations in its line graph. Their population percentage dropped in 2020 which eventually can be predicted to rise steadily in the year 2030 and 2040.

According to the line graph, the percentage population of Philippines and Malaysia was in the similar range which was along 30%. As the years passed, in 2020 Malaysia showed drastic population growth to almost 80% whereas Philippines population went upto to 50% in the year 1990 but eventually declined to 40% in 2010 and again started to to rise in 2020 to 50%.It's population is expected to rise in the future upto 55% in 2040.

Again, the population percentages of Thailand and Indonesia were around 15% in 1970. The population of Indonesia abruptly rose to 50% in 2020 and is expected to rise to 60% after 20 years. On the contrary, Thailand's population was rising steadily along with a static line at around 30% 1990 to 2000 including lesser increase at around 30% in 2020. The population is predicted to rise at around 50% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the overall upward trends for Malaysia and Indonesia and note that the Philippines fluctuates, then give relevant comparisons and future estimates. Several figures are broadly accurate: Malaysia rises from about 30% to over 80%, Indonesia reaches just above 50% in 2020, and the Philippines is projected to reach roughly 55% by 2040. However, the overview misstates Thailand as fluctuating and says the Philippines and Thailand both dropped in 2020; Thailand actually rises gradually throughout, while the Philippines rises from 2010 to 2020. Some comparisons are also imprecise: the Philippines reaches about 48% in 1990, not 50%, and Malaysia is already around 76% in 2020. A clearer, more accurate overview and fuller coverage of the countries’ contrasting trajectories would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs grouping the countries. This gives the information an overall coherent arrangement, and phrases such as “On the other hand” and “On the contrary” signal comparisons. However, the grouping and references are not always clear: “Their population percentage” is ambiguous, and the overview’s claim that both the Philippines and Thailand decline conflicts with the later description of Thailand’s steady rise. Some linking phrases feel mechanical, particularly the repeated “According to the line graph” and “Again.” Improve progression by organising each paragraph around a clear comparison and using precise references to each country and period; this would make the relationships between details easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of trend vocabulary, including “upward incline,” “declined,” “rose steadily,” and “predicted,” so the main information is generally understandable. However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for describing a graph. “Population growth” suggests a change in the number of people rather than the urban share, while “static line” and “abruptly rose” do not accurately describe the gradual trends shown. There are also noticeable spelling and word-form errors, such as “concieved,” “upto,” and “It's” where a possessive is intended. Aim for precise terms such as “proportion,” “urbanisation,” “remained stable,” and “increased sharply” only where the data supports them, and check spelling and collocations carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “whereas” and “which,” and most of the trends remain understandable. Some grammatical errors, however, affect clarity and control. For example, “all the population percentage … consist of a upward incline” has problems with agreement, article use, and sentence structure; “the percentage of population … was in the similar range” also has article and number issues. The sentence beginning “Their population percentage dropped in 2020” has an unclear reference, and punctuation is missing around “50%.It's.” Work on accurate subject–verb agreement, articles, singular and plural forms, and sentence boundaries. More consistently controlled complex sentences would make the comparisons clearer while preserving the range you are attempting.

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