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 provided line graph illustrates the insights of the proportion of four Asian countries' population residing in cities between 1970 and 2020 while giving prediction for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the most percentage of people can be noticed in Malaysia and it would see upward trend even in the future years whereas, Thailand has the lowest proportion of residents and would continue to experience that later on as well. The other two nations undergo huge fluctuations throughout the timeline.

In 1970, Malaysia started off with the second highest position just below Philippines accounting for 30% of the population but has experienced sharp escalation since then after a slight decrease in 1990, soaring to it's peak at 78% in 2020 and has been forecasted to reach 82% in 2040. Additionally, Philippines has faced fluctuations until 2010 but then there is gradual increase in the proportion, predicted to reach around 59% in 2040.

On the other hand, citizens of Indonesia were the lowest with only 12% living in cities in 1970 but they rose significantly afterwards with some minor fluctuation between 1960 and 2000 surpassing Philippines in 2020 or 53% of the total population; a trend that is expected to continue in 2030 and 2040 too. However, the percentage of Thailand residents in cities show the lowest trend after 2000. They set off with 19% in 1970 and reached 30% by the next 30 years and hovered around that level until 2020 but are predicted to increase in 2030 and 2040 reaching approximately 50%. Nevertheless, compared to other three nations, their proportion will still be the lowest.

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 the predictions for 2030 and 2040. However, there are some inaccuracies in your data reporting. For instance, you mention that Indonesia had minor fluctuations between 1960 and 2000, but the graph starts in 1970. Additionally, your description of Malaysia's starting position in 1970 as 'second highest' is slightly confusing given the graph's data points. To improve, ensure that your data points are precisely aligned with the visual information provided to avoid factual errors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'on the other hand', 'nevertheless', and 'additionally' to link ideas. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'that is expected to continue in 2030 and 2040 too'. The paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of ideas throughout the report, which helps the reader follow the comparison between the four nations.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the trends, using terms like 'upward trend', 'sharp escalation', and 'soaring'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'the most percentage' (should be 'the highest percentage') and 'insights of the proportion' (which is slightly unnatural). You attempt to use less common vocabulary, but some collocations are slightly off. Focusing on more precise academic phrasing will help elevate your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'it's peak' (should be 'its peak'), 'the percentage... show' (subject-verb agreement error: 'shows'), and 'compared to other three nations' (missing article: 'the other three'). These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Increasing your control over articles and subject-verb agreement will improve your accuracy.

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

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