Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-20

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 proportion of the population living in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia between 1970 and 2020, with projection for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is clearly seen that the ratio of living population was increased year by year in all four Asian nations. However, Malaysia projected to have the highest percentage by 2040.

To begin with, Malaysia and Philippines urban population percentage were similar in 1970, with nearly 30%. Malaysia urban population inclined steadily from 1970 to 2020. On the other hand, Philippines encountered fluctuation in urban population percentage before increased in 2020. Indonesia has also experienced a significant rose from 10% to around 60% over a period of six decades. Meanwhile, Thailand growth in urban population ration was comparatively slower during the years.

According to the prediction, Malaysia is expected to have highest urban population by 2040, reaching approximately 85%. Indonesia is reached to follow with around 60%, the Philippines with 55%, and the Thailand with 50%. It is evident that all four Asian countries urban population percentage is surge in prediction years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all requirements of the task. You have identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. The comparison between the four countries is generally well-handled, and you have included the projections for 2030 and 2040. However, some data points are slightly inaccurate; for instance, stating Indonesia rose from 10% to 60% over six decades is a good summary, but the description of the Philippines' 'fluctuation' is a bit vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data points cited are precise and that the distinction between historical data and future projections is consistently clear throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'On the other hand', and 'Meanwhile' to connect ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by minor mechanical errors in referencing and sentence structure. For example, the transition between the historical data and the future predictions could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal cohesion within the second body paragraph is slightly repetitive in its structure. Improving the variety of linking phrases would enhance the overall readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'projection', 'inclined', and 'fluctuation'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'ratio of living population', 'significant rose' (should be 'significant rise'), and 'urban population ration' (should be 'ratio'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your writing. To improve, focus on using nouns and verbs correctly in context and expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs beyond 'increased' or 'reached'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you successfully attempt complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and articles. Examples include 'Malaysia projected to have' (should be 'is projected to have'), 'Indonesia is reached to follow' (should be 'is expected to follow'), and 'the Thailand' (unnecessary article). Subject-verb agreement is also inconsistent in places. While these errors rarely impede meaning, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on proofreading for basic tense consistency and article usage.

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