Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-07

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 shows the percentage of people living in cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the percentage of people living in cities is expected to increase in all four countries. Malaysia has the highest level of urbanisation, while Thailand has the lowest figure for most of the period.

In 1970, about 30% of the population in both the Philippines and Malaysia lived in cities. Malaysia then increased steadily, reaching around 76% in 2020 and is expected to rise to about 83% by 2040. Indonesia also grew considerably, from approximately 14% in 1970 to 52% in 2020, and is predicted to reach 64%.

On the other hand, the Philippines showed some fluctuations. Its figure rose to almost 50% in 1990 before falling to around 43% in 2010. It is then expected to increase to 56% in 2040. Thailand grew gradually and is forecast to reach 50% by 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 necessary comparisons, such as noting Malaysia's leading position and Thailand's lower figures. The data points are generally accurate and support your summary well. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently include data for all mentioned points; for instance, while you mentioned Indonesia's 2040 prediction, you could have explicitly contrasted it with the other countries' final projections to strengthen the comparative aspect of your analysis. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1970', and 'On the other hand' to guide the reader through the information. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from general trends to specific country data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the analysis. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the different countries is clearly established throughout the text, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'increased steadily', 'grew considerably', and 'showed some fluctuations' are used accurately to describe the trends. You also use appropriate reporting verbs and nouns such as 'forecast' and 'figure'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated or varied synonyms to describe the movements in the graph, such as 'upward trajectory', 'plateaued', or 'surpassed', to show greater lexical flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled well. You successfully manage complex structures, such as 'Malaysia then increased steadily, reaching around 76% in 2020 and is expected to rise to about 83% by 2040.' There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To reach the highest bands, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as using more passive voice constructions or varied introductory clauses to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

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