Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-04

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 6.0)

The line graph displays information about the percentage of the population residing in cities across four different countries between 1970 and 2020 and projections for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the proportion of the population increased across four countries. Malaysia has the highest urbanization rate from 2000 onwards. While Indonesia experienced the fastest growth. In contrast, the percentage of the Philippines rose for a short period but then declined further and is expected to recover in the future.

In 1970, the proportion of the population in Malaysia was 30%, which rose to around 75% in 2020. It is also expected to cross the mark of 80% in 2040. Now, looking at the percentage of the Philippines. It started with the highest proportion at above 30% in 1970 and rose to around 50% in 1990. It then decreased to almost 40% in 2010. It is predicted to recover to around 49% in 2030 and 53% in 2040.

On the other hand, the population of Thailand, which experienced a slow but steady increase, rose from almost 19% in 1970 to 29% in 1990 and remained stable till 2020. It is projected to peak just below 50% in 2040. However, Indonesia started with the lowest percentage, rose from almost 15% in 1970 to conclude at around 50% in 2020, and is forecast to reach a mark of 60% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task well. You have identified the main trends and provided relevant data points to support your descriptions. The overview is clear and highlights the key differences between the countries, such as Malaysia's high urbanization and Indonesia's rapid growth. However, the description of the Philippines is slightly inaccurate based on the graph provided; you mention it 'declined further' after 1990, but the graph shows a decline followed by a recovery, which you do mention later. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview captures the most significant trends more precisely and avoid minor inaccuracies in data interpretation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'On the other hand', and 'However' to transition between ideas effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group information by country. While the flow is generally good, some sentences feel slightly disjointed, such as the short sentence 'Now, looking at the percentage of the Philippines.' Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall cohesion of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information clearly. Phrases like 'urbanization rate', 'projections', and 'remained stable' are used correctly. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though some word choices could be more precise. For example, 'conclude at around 50%' is slightly unnatural in this context; 'reach a level of' or 'stand at' would be more appropriate. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate for the task, and errors in word choice do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several error-free sentences, which is positive. However, there are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'the proportion of the population increased across four countries' (which should be 'the four countries') and 'the population of Thailand... rose from almost 19%'. Note that the graph shows the percentage of the population, not the population itself. Punctuation is generally accurate, but ensure that sentence fragments are avoided to maintain a formal academic tone.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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