Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-26

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 variations in the proportion of population in four Asian countries, namely Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, from 1970 to the projection of 2040.

Overall, urbanisation in all countries experienced an upward trend, and the rates continue to increase in the future.

In 1970, the highest percentage of urban population lived in Philippines, at around 32%. The rates rose steadily and expected to reach under 60% by 2040. Urban population in Malaysia stood at 30% in 1970. The percentage of population living in cities is forecasted to reach over 80% by 2040, becoming the country with the largest urban population.

The percentage of total population in Thailand and Indonesia stood at around 19% and 14%, respectively. The percentage in the former went up gra, and is expected to reach under 50%, becoming the country with the lowest residents living in cities, and the latter

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, ending abruptly mid-sentence. While the introduction and overview are clear, the analysis of the data is incomplete. The report covers the trends for the Philippines and Malaysia adequately, but the description of Thailand and Indonesia is cut off, leaving the task unfinished. To improve, ensure you complete the analysis of all categories presented in the graph. Because the response is under-length and the final section is missing, the task is not fully addressed, which significantly impacts the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response shows a logical structure with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'namely', 'overall', and 'respectively' are used appropriately to link ideas. However, the abrupt ending disrupts the flow and coherence of the final paragraph. Paragraphing is used, but the incomplete nature of the final section prevents a fully coherent progression of ideas. To reach a higher band, ensure that all paragraphs are fully developed and that the conclusion or final analysis is completed to provide a sense of closure to the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for a report of this nature, with terms like 'urbanisation', 'upward trend', 'proportion', and 'forecasted' used correctly. There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main features of the graph. However, there is a spelling error ('gra' instead of 'gradually') and the incomplete sentence structure limits the demonstration of a wider range. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensure that all sentences are fully formed to showcase your lexical range effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The percentage of population living in cities is forecasted to reach...'. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'the projection of 2040' (which should be 'the projections for 2040') and the incomplete sentence at the end. While the errors do not severely impede communication in the parts that are finished, the unfinished nature of the text limits the variety of structures that could have been displayed. Focus on proofreading to catch minor errors and ensure all sentences are completed.

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

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