Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-26
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 6.5)
The line chart illustrates the changes in percentage of the population living in cities of four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020. It also includes the predictions for 2030 and 2040 by analyzing the previous data.
Overall, Malaysia is observed as the popular among all with maximum proportion compared to others, whereas percentage of Thailand is slightly disappointed because of its decline.
Philippines and Malaysia were the most percentage sharing cities as of 1970 with 30%, Malaysia stand out by boosting above 80% as predicted for 2040. On the other hand, Philippines graph has been dramatically encountered with inclines and declines. Eventually, finalizing its prediction with a slights increase above 50% finishing at the third position.
After Malaysia, Indonesia is the country that grabs attention by enhancing its population percentage from 10% in 1970 to 50% in 2020. Prediction scores suggest Indonesia could end up at the second spot with a rise up to 60%. Thailand has also enhanced its population with 30% in 2020 compared to 20% in 1970, but the research predicts it could end up being the least population percentage country with just above 40% until 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response covers all four countries and the time frame provided. You successfully identified the main trends, such as Malaysia's significant growth and Thailand's projected decline. However, the overview is slightly weak; describing Thailand's trend as 'disappointed' is not appropriate for an academic report, as it attributes human emotion to data. Additionally, some data points are slightly inaccurate, such as stating the Philippines and Malaysia both started at 30% in 1970, whereas the graph shows different starting points. To improve, ensure your overview focuses on objective trends and double-check the accuracy of the figures cited.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific countries. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'After Malaysia, Indonesia is the country that grabs attention'. Some transitions between sentences feel forced. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases that connect ideas more naturally, rather than relying on simple sequencing words.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'proportion', 'projections', and 'dramatically'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice or non-academic phrasing, such as 'popular among all', 'disappointed', and 'grabs attention'. These choices detract from the formal tone required for an Academic Task 1 report. To improve, focus on using more precise, neutral vocabulary for describing data trends, such as 'the highest proportion' instead of 'popular among all'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'Philippines graph has been dramatically encountered with inclines and declines' and 'the least population percentage country'. There are also issues with article usage and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'Malaysia stand out'). These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and refining your sentence construction.
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