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 line graph demonstrates the percentage of urban population from Asian countries between 1970 and 2020, with expectation of population between 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the population of Malaysia increased significantly throughout the period from 30% to 80%. While the population of Philippines remained static from 1970 to 1980, then dramatically increased till 1990. Afterwards, it's population fell sharply and suddenly started rising up to 55% until 2040.

The population of Thailand grew considerably between 1970 and 1990, and became static for next twenty years. After that, the population got a subtle increment up to 2020 and would go up 50% in 2024. Meanwhile, the population of Indonesia continued to rise from 15% to 60% between 1970 and 2024. The population of both Indonesia and Malaysia went up substantially but Malaysia had comparatively high population initially. Although, Philippines had the most largest number of population at the start but continuously fluctuated throughout the time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main trends for the four countries, but there are significant inaccuracies in data reporting. For example, you mention Indonesia rising to 60% by 2024, whereas the graph shows data points for 2020, 2030, and 2040. Furthermore, the claim that the Philippines had the 'most largest' population at the start is confusing, as the graph measures the percentage of the urban population, not the total population size. While you identify key features, the lack of precision in interpreting the graph's timeline and the misinterpretation of the data type (percentage vs. total population) prevents a higher score. Ensure you distinguish between population growth and the percentage of people living in cities.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is somewhat mechanical. You use some cohesive devices like 'While', 'Afterwards', and 'Meanwhile', but the transitions between sentences are occasionally abrupt. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the final paragraph where the comparison between countries becomes muddled. The paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs could be more cohesive to better group the trends of the four countries. Improving the use of linking phrases to compare and contrast the countries more fluidly would enhance the overall progression of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'increased significantly', 'dramatically', and 'subtle increment'. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'most largest' (a double superlative) and 'rising up to' (which is slightly redundant). The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more varied collocations for describing trends and avoid repetitive structures. The errors in word choice do not impede communication, but they do limit the range of expression.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'it's population' (should be 'its'), 'most largest', and 'would go up 50% in 2024' (which lacks a preposition like 'to'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the control over complex structures is inconsistent. While the meaning is usually clear, the frequency of these minor grammatical slips prevents the writing from being considered error-free. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of possessive pronouns will help improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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