Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-15

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 given graph illustrates the information about the proportion of the citizens in four Asian nations living in towns from 1970 to 2020, along with forecast for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the proportion of people living in cities increased in all four countries. Malaysia showed the most significant and consistent growth, while Thailand remained the lowest for most of the period. Indonesia also experienced a notable rise, whereas the Philippines showed some fluctuations but followed an overall upward trend.

In detail, in 1970 the highest proportion was of the Malaysia and Philippines around 30 percent. While the lowest ratio was more than 10 percent of Indonesia and Thailand proportion was less than 20 percent. In 1990, all nations showed the upward trend. Malaysia and Philippines reached more than 40 percent ratio of citizens. Further, Thailand and Indonesia citizens reached more than 30 percent.

From the later period, Malaysia remains highest, Indonesia rises sharply, Philippines grows moderately, while Thailand records the slowest overall growth.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends and making comparisons between the four countries. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the start and end points, the description of the data is occasionally imprecise, such as saying 'more than 10 percent' or 'less than 20 percent' without referencing the specific data points provided in the graph. To achieve a higher band, ensure you include more specific data points (e.g., 'approximately 15%') to support your observations. The overview is clear and effectively highlights the main trends, which is a positive feature of your writing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear. You use some cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', and 'further', which help to link ideas. However, some transitions are a bit mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally slightly awkward, such as in the phrase 'From the later period'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'significant', 'consistent growth', and 'fluctuations'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the highest proportion was of the Malaysia' and 'ratio of citizens'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your writing. To improve, focus on using more natural collocations and ensuring that nouns and prepositions are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the Malaysia', 'the Philippines') and sentence construction ('Thailand and Indonesia citizens reached more than 30 percent'). Some sentences are slightly disjointed. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more error-free sentences and work on the correct use of articles and possessive structures. Despite these errors, the grammar does not prevent the reader from understanding your main points.

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

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