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

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included the required projections for 2030 and 2040. The comparison between countries is generally well-handled, particularly the contrast between Malaysia's growth and the Philippines' fluctuation. However, the statement 'Indonesia experienced the fastest growth' is not fully supported by the data, as Malaysia's increase from 30% to 80% represents a larger absolute change. Additionally, the description of the Philippines' trend as 'declined further' is slightly inaccurate given the graph shows a recovery. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'On the other hand', and 'However' to signal shifts in focus. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to improve the overall cohesion. For instance, the link between the overview and the body paragraphs is functional but could be more seamless. The referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Terms like 'urbanization rate', 'projections', 'stable', and 'forecast' are used correctly. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'rose' and 'increased'. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more varied synonyms for change, such as 'climbed', 'surged', 'dipped', or 'fluctuated'. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is appropriate for an academic report, though it lacks the 'less common' lexical items that would distinguish a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most sentences are clear and error-free. However, there are some minor punctuation and grammatical issues, such as sentence fragments ('Now, looking at the percentage of the Philippines.') and minor errors in article usage or preposition placement. While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the highest band. The use of future tense for projections is handled well, and the overall control of grammar is consistent throughout the essay.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.