Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19

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 illustrates the comparison of percentage population of four Asian countries living in urban areas from [redacted phone] with predictions for [redacted phone].

Overall, it is clearly evident that all the four countries population living in urban areas are predicted to be increasing over time. Malaysia marks the highest percentage of population and is predicted to observe the same trend in [redacted phone] while Thailand population is also getting a steady increase over time but marks the lowest percentage of its population living in city areas among all till [redacted phone].

Looking into the details, Malaysia population percentage reported to be 30% in 1970 with observing a significant increase to 41% till 1990 got a spike and expected to reach the highest number of percentage population till 2030 with 80%. Moreover, Thailand population was 19% in 1970, gradually increased to 35% in 2010 is expected to reach 42% till 2040.

Related to Philippines population, it reported to have 30% people living in urban areas in 1970, accounted for a sudden spike to almost 50% observed a slight decline to 40% in 2010 is expected to get 50% population living in urban areas by 2040. Mean while Indonesia reported a significant growth starting from 10% population in 1970, is predicted to reach 40% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included relevant data points to support your descriptions. However, there are some inaccuracies in your data reporting; for example, you stated the starting year as 1920 instead of 1970, and some of your specific figures (such as Malaysia reaching 80% by 2030) do not align precisely with the provided graph. To improve, ensure you double-check the axes and data points before writing. The overview is clear, but the precision of the data reporting needs to be more accurate to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the trends. You use some cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'Looking into the details', and 'Mean while' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. The use of 'Mean while' is slightly misused as a transition here, and some sentences feel disjointed. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus to enhance the overall progression of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'significant increase', 'steady increase', and 'spike'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and collocation errors, such as 'marks the highest percentage of population' (should be 'records the highest percentage') and 'observed a significant increase to 41% till 1990 got a spike'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the sophistication of your writing. To achieve a higher score, try to use more precise verbs and nouns related to data description, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'projected'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Issues include missing articles ('Malaysia population percentage'), incorrect verb forms ('reported to be 30%... with observing'), and awkward sentence construction ('Thailand population is also getting a steady increase'). While these errors rarely impede the reader's understanding of the main points, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions and articles to improve your accuracy.

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

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