Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-13

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 presents information about the proportion of people in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 to 2020 with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that Malaysia recorded the highest among other Asian countries with predictions to increase over time. While the Philippines and Thailand fluctuated throughout the years, Indonesia increased steadily.

In 1970, the population of Malaysia and the Philippines stood almost at the same number, which was approximately 30%. Malaysia experienced an increase in population at about 70% in 2010 and is projected to increase to over 80% in 2030 and 2040, making it the country with the highest population, whereas the Philippines fluctuated throughout the period and is expected to be below 60% in 2040.

Meanwhile, Thailand and Indonesia's population stood just below 20% in 1970. Although Thailand experienced fluctuations over the period, it has been predicted to increase to around 40% in 2030 and 2040. However ,Indonesia recorded a steady increase throughout the period and has been expected to reach about 60% 2030 and 2040, overtaking the Philippines and Thailand.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included the required timeframes, including the future predictions. However, the analysis could be improved by being more precise with the data. For example, you mention Malaysia reached 70% in 2010, but the graph shows it closer to 70% in 2020. Additionally, describing the Philippines as having 'fluctuated' is slightly inaccurate, as the trend is more of a plateau followed by a slight decline. Ensuring your data points are more accurate will help you reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'Although', and 'whereas' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is generally smooth, moving from the overall trend to specific country comparisons. To improve, ensure that your paragraphing remains balanced; the second body paragraph is slightly denser than the first. Additionally, ensure that referencing is always clear, as some sentences could benefit from more explicit links to the specific years mentioned in the graph.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'proportion of people', 'recorded a steady increase', and 'projected to increase' are appropriate for an academic report. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'increase' and 'fluctuated'. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied synonyms such as 'climb', 'surge', 'decline', or 'remain stable'. Your word choice is generally accurate, though 'stood almost at the same number' is slightly awkward; 'stood at similar levels' would be more natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is good. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'recorded the highest among other Asian countries' (which should be 'highest percentage') and 'has been expected to reach' (where 'is expected' is more appropriate for future projections). Punctuation is generally fine, though there is a stray space before the comma in 'However ,Indonesia'. Despite these minor errors, your meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not impede communication. Increasing the variety of complex structures would further enhance your score.

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