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 line graph provides data about the percentage of population living in four different Asian nations between 1970 and 2020, with predictions from 2030 to 2040.
Overall, the percentage for all countries except Philippines experienced a steady increase over the period. The figure for Malaysia rose dramatically, followed by Indonesia, which ranked at second, whereas the figure for Philippines fluctuated.
The percentage for Malaysia started at 30% in 1970. Its figure increased steadily and surpassed the percentage of Philippines in 1990. The figure for Philippines stood at 30% before levelling off at 32%. Then the percentage for Malaysia will surge and it will peak at 80% in 2040, while Philippines figure will fall marginally before rising to just over 50% in 2040.
The percentages for Indonesia and Thailand were at 13% and 18%, respectively. The figures for both countries grew moderately till 1990, standing at just over 20% and 29%, respectively. The figure for Indonesia will shoot up to 60% by 2040, compared with the figure for Thailand it will rise considerably just over 45%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key features of the graph, including the trends for all four countries and the future predictions. The overview is clear and identifies the main trends, such as the steady increase in urbanization for most nations and the contrasting fluctuation of the Philippines. However, the analysis of the data is slightly inconsistent; for instance, the description of the Philippines' trend as 'fluctuating' is not fully supported by the graph, which shows a more stable, albeit slower, growth pattern. Additionally, some data points are described with limited precision. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are backed by accurate data interpretation and that the distinction between past trends and future predictions is consistently maintained.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized into four paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, and the writer uses cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'followed by', and 'in contrast' to link information. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be more precise. For example, in the third paragraph, the phrase 'Then the percentage for Malaysia will surge' feels a bit abrupt as a transition between past and future data. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at using less common items like 'surpassed', 'levelling off', and 'fluctuated'. There are some minor inaccuracies in collocation and word choice, such as 'ranked at second' (should be 'ranked second') and 'compared with the figure for Thailand it will rise' (which is grammatically awkward). While the range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band. Expanding the range of reporting verbs and adverbs would help improve the quality of the analysis.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is a good attempt at using future tenses to describe the predictions ('will surge', 'will fall', 'will shoot up'). However, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'the figure for Philippines' (missing the definite article 'the'), 'at second' (preposition error), and 'compared with the figure for Thailand it will rise' (a run-on/comma splice issue). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and sentence structure variety will be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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