Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 linear graph depicts data regarding the proportion of population of four distinctive Asian nations living in urban area from 1970 to 2020 and forecasting for 2030 as well.

Considering from an overall perspective, it can be comprehensively observed that, citizens of all four cities are gradually increasing throughout the period. Noticeably, the highest population increment was seen for Malaysia, whereas lowest for Thailand.

To begin with, In 1970, the highest population count was noticeable for Philippines with 31%. Afterwards, the figure were quite fluctuating and it raise to 49% after two decades before falling down to 42% after twenty years. However, as per the prediction it will stood at nearly 55% in 2040. Moreover, Malaysia population was reported for 30% in the first year. Following this, population counting has continuously rising and in 1990 the percentage were at 45% before experiencing a significant rise and in with prediction the population will stood at around 85% in 2040.

Furthermore, the second highest population was recorded for Thailand with 19% which further rose to 30% in 1990 and after showing small fluctuation the population was reported for nearly 30% before the expectation of 48% in 2040. In contrast, the lowest residents was noticeably for Indonesia with 12% in starting year. Also, the figure was continuously rising and it was at 30% in 2000 before overtaking the Thailand and Philippines people and accounted for 50% in 2020. And as per the future projection it will rose to nearly 83% in 2040 .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends for the four countries. You successfully highlighted the overall upward trend and made relevant comparisons, such as noting Indonesia's overtaking of other nations. However, the overview is slightly weak; it mentions that all cities are increasing, but it could be more analytical by grouping the countries based on their growth trajectories (e.g., the rapid growth of Malaysia and Indonesia versus the more moderate growth of the Philippines and Thailand). Additionally, the inclusion of 2040 predictions is accurate, though the summary would benefit from a clearer distinction between historical data and future projections.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices like 'To begin with,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In contrast' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'Afterwards, the figure were quite fluctuating.' The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when discussing the 'highest population count' versus 'population increment.' Improving the flow between sentences would help the progression of ideas feel more natural and less like a list of data points.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion,' 'fluctuating,' and 'projection.' However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and collocation errors, such as 'population count' instead of 'urban population percentage,' and 'population increment' instead of 'growth.' Phrases like 'the figure were quite fluctuating' and 'the lowest residents was noticeably for Indonesia' are grammatically and lexically awkward. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and ensuring collocations are natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('the figure were,' 'the percentage were,' 'it will stood') and tense usage ('it will rose'). There are also minor punctuation and article errors throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and subject-verb agreement will significantly improve the clarity of your writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.