Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-03

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 illustrates information about the percentage of the population across four different asian countries residing in cities between 1970 and 2020 and also makes predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the population of Malaysia remained higher throughout the period from 2000. It can also be observed that there had been an increase in population across all four countries throughout the period.

In 1970, Malaysia's population was at 30%, which increased to almost 50% in 1990 and increased gradually throughout the time, concluding at approximately 72% in 2020 and expected to increase further to 80% and 82% in 2030 and 2040, respectively. Now, looking at the Philippines, it started as a leading contributor in 1970 at 32%, remained stable in 1980, then increased slightly, reaching almost 48% in 1990, which then declined in 2010 at 40%, and concluded at 42% in 2020. It is predicted that it will recover and increase to 50% in 2030 and 53% in 2040.

Referencing the population of Thailand. The exact pattern of the Philippines was seen in Thailand, starting at 19% in 1970, increasing slightly to 29% in 1990, then remaining stable till 2020, concluding at 30%, and is also expected to rise to 35% in 2030 and 45% in 2040. Nevertheless, the population of Indonesia was almost 15% in 1970, which increased slightly to 27% in 2000 and then rose significantly, peaked at 50% in 2020. It is also assumed to rise at 60% in 2030 and 62% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task, identifying the main trends and providing relevant data points for all four countries. The overview is clear, highlighting the general upward trend and Malaysia's leading position. However, the analysis of the Philippines is slightly inaccurate; the text claims it 'declined in 2010 at 40%', whereas the data shows a more complex fluctuation. Additionally, the comparison between Thailand and the Philippines is somewhat forced, as their trends are not identical. Despite these minor inaccuracies in data interpretation, the response successfully highlights the key features and makes relevant comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Each paragraph focuses on specific countries, which helps the reader follow the information. Cohesive devices such as 'In 1970', 'Now, looking at', and 'Nevertheless' are used to transition between ideas. However, the use of 'Now, looking at' is slightly informal for an academic report. Paragraphing is used effectively, and there is a clear progression of ideas throughout the text. The referencing is generally clear, though some transitions could be more sophisticated to improve the flow between sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with some attempts at using less common items like 'residing', 'contributor', and 'concluding'. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs such as 'increased' and 'rise'. The phrase 'leading contributor' is slightly misused in this context, as it refers to urban population percentage rather than a contribution. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, though it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor grammatical errors, such as 'residing in cities between 1970 and 2020 and also makes predictions' (subject-verb agreement/tense consistency) and 'rise at 60%' (preposition error; should be 'to'). While these errors are present, they do not impede communication. The use of complex structures, such as the passive voice and relative clauses, is generally successful. The majority of sentences are clear, and punctuation is used correctly throughout the response.

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