Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line chart elucidates the percentage of the population living in cities across four Asian countries from the year 1970 to 2020, showing predictions for 2030 and 2040. The Asian countries which are being plotted in this line chart are the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

According to the chart, the Indonesian population has been showing sustainable growth from the year 1970 and having an upward growth in the population percentage. As for the Thai population, it is also showing good growth, having a similar population percentage to the Indo population in the year 2000. It also demonstrated a downward slope between the years 1990 and 2000, followed by a steady and balanced growth. Between the years 1990 and 2010 the Filipino population has demonstrated similar population percentages to both the Thai and Indo populations, consecutively maintaining a decent population percentage and placing in the third position by the year of 2030 and 2040. The most dominant growth is being demonstrated in the graph in terms of percentage in the population, with Malaysia placing it in first place among the other populations. In terms of ranking population, the first position goes to Malaysia, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines and lastly Thailand

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all four countries and the time frame provided. However, it lacks a clear overview of the main trends, which is essential for a Band 7 or higher. The description of the data is somewhat repetitive and relies on subjective descriptions like 'sustainable growth' or 'good growth' rather than precise data points from the graph. The comparison between countries is present but lacks analytical depth, as it focuses more on ranking than on the significant shifts in urbanisation rates over the 70-year period. To improve, ensure you highlight the most significant changes and provide a clear summary of the overall trends in the introduction or overview paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition between describing individual country trends and the final ranking is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or repetitive (e.g., 'As for the...', 'Between the years...'). The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as when the text mentions 'Indo population' and 'Thai population' without consistent naming conventions. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the flow of the report significantly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. Phrases like 'sustainable growth' and 'balanced growth' are used somewhat loosely in the context of a line graph. There is some repetition of the word 'population' and 'percentage', which limits the range. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more varied vocabulary related to trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'plateaued', 'surpassed', or 'a significant upward trajectory'. Avoid using informal abbreviations like 'Indo' for Indonesia, as this is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'placing it in first place' and 'the first position goes to Malaysia', which are slightly awkward. Some sentences are overly long and lack clear punctuation, making them difficult to follow. While the meaning is generally clear, the control over complex structures is inconsistent. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that comparisons are grammatically sound (e.g., 'Malaysia had the highest percentage compared to...') will help improve the accuracy and sophistication of your writing.

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

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