Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-12

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 6.5)

The line graph compares the percentage of population living in the cities between 1970 to 2020, with assumption for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, Malaysia experienced an upward trend, while Indonesia had the grew significantly, overtaking Philippines and Thailand. In addition, Philippines and Thailand had the lowest increase of population living in the cities.

Focusing on Malaysia and Indonesia, in 1970, Malaysia accounted for 30% of total population living in cities, and grew significantly to around 70% in 2020, and is predicted to increase further to approximately 85% in 2040. While Indonesia had about 12% of people staying in the cities in 1970, but overtook Thailand and Philippine in 2000 and 2001 respectively, and is expected to surge to approximately 65% in 2040.

Philippines and Thailand began with around 31 and 19 percent respectively, while Philippines rose noticeably and peaked at about 45% in 1990, then plummeted to about 30% in 2010, and is expected to climb to just 50% in 2040, Thailand grew gradually to above 20% in 2020, and is predicted increase sharply to around 31% at the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all four countries and includes the required time frame, including future predictions. The overview identifies the main trends, such as Malaysia's upward trajectory and Indonesia's significant growth. However, the analysis of the Philippines is slightly inaccurate regarding the data points (e.g., the claim that it 'plummeted' to 30% in 2010 is not clearly supported by the visual trend). While the main features are highlighted, the comparison between countries could be more analytical rather than just listing figures. The response meets the requirements for a Band 6.5, as it addresses all parts of the task but lacks the depth of analysis required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'in addition', 'while', and 'then' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'Indonesia had the grew significantly', which disrupts the flow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group the countries, but the internal structure of the second body paragraph could be improved to ensure smoother transitions between the different country trends. Overall, the progression of information is clear, justifying a Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated reporting verbs like 'surged', 'plummeted', and 'accounted for'. However, there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'had the grew significantly' and 'assumption for 2030', which should be 'projections'. The use of 'staying in the cities' is also less precise than 'urban population'. While the range is sufficient to convey the main points, the errors in word form and collocation prevent a higher score. The vocabulary is functional but lacks the precision and natural control expected at the Band 7 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Indonesia had the grew significantly' (incorrect verb form) and 'predicted increase' (missing 'to'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are some run-on sentences and minor errors in subject-verb agreement. While the meaning is rarely impeded, the frequency of these errors indicates a lack of full control over complex structures. The grammar is sufficient for a Band 6.0, as the writer demonstrates an ability to use complex sentences, but these are not consistently error-free.

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

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