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 the 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 fluctuated further and is expected to rise in the future.
In 1970, the percentage 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. Moreover, 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's percentage 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 stand just below 50% in 2040. However, Indonesia started with the lowest percentage, rose from almost 15% in 1970 to reach around 50% in 2020, and is forecast to reach a mark of 60% in 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all requirements of the task. 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 growth and Indonesia's rapid rise. However, the analysis of the Philippines is slightly inaccurate; you describe it as fluctuating, but the graph shows a more distinct decline followed by a recovery. To reach a higher band, ensure that your data interpretation is precise and that the overview captures the most significant overall patterns rather than just listing individual country trends.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Moreover', and 'On the other hand' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are instances where sentence structure impacts flow, such as the fragmented sentence 'Moreover, the percentage of the Philippines. It started with...'. Improving the connection between sentences would enhance the overall readability and logical progression of your report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'urbanization rate', 'projections', and 'forecast'. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'rose' and 'increased'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for describing trends, such as 'climbed', 'surged', 'dipped', or 'remained stagnant'. While your word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, the range is somewhat limited, preventing a higher score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with sentence fragments and punctuation. For example, 'Moreover, the percentage of the Philippines. It started with...' should be a single, connected sentence. Additionally, there are minor issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding your meaning, they occur frequently enough to limit your score. Focus on proofreading to ensure that every sentence is complete and grammatically sound.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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