Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-22

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 graph illustrates data related to the ratio of the amount of the residents in four Asian countries staying in cities between 1970 and 2020, with expectations from 2030 to 2024.

Overall, It can be seen that Malaysia has the the most percentage of the individuals living in urban areas. Despite this, the country with least ratio of the population in cities is Thailand.

Turning to the details, the percentage of Malaysia rose significantly from 30 percent to almost 80 percent over the 70 years of time. Whereas, the population of Indonesia also increased dramaticaly from just below 15 percent to almost 60 percent.

Furthermore, the countries whose percentage of population leveled up steadily are Philippines and Thailand and their speed was almost the same. In term of figures Philippines was slightly above from 50 percent however Thailand is the only country whose ratio of the residents living in cities was below 50 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the overall trends and comparing the four countries. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You mention the start and end points for Malaysia and Indonesia, but the data for the Philippines and Thailand is less precise. Furthermore, the task requires reporting data up to 2040, but your introduction incorrectly states the period ends in 2024. The conclusion lacks a summary of the projected future trends, which is a key part of the prompt. To improve, ensure you include all timeframes mentioned in the prompt and provide more specific data points to support your comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Despite this', 'Turning to the details', and 'Furthermore' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing. For instance, the phrase 'Despite this' is used to contrast the highest and lowest countries, but it does not logically follow the previous sentence. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they accurately reflect the relationship between ideas will help improve the flow and coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'urban areas', 'ratio', and 'leveled up'. However, there are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'ratio of the amount of the residents' and 'the most percentage'. These errors occasionally make the text sound unnatural. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding wordy, redundant expressions. For example, instead of 'ratio of the amount of the residents', use 'proportion of the population'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, including article misuse ('the the most percentage', 'the country with least ratio'), spelling errors ('dramaticaly'), and awkward syntax ('was slightly above from 50 percent'). These errors are noticeable but do not significantly impede communication. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Practicing the construction of complex sentences will also help you demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.

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

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