Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-28

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the percentage of the total population living in cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 and 2020, with projection for 2030 and 2040.

Overall,urbanisation has increased as a prominent upward trend has been seen with Malaysia cumilating the highest proportion for most of the period, while Thailand consistently records the lowest figures.

In 1970, around 32% of the population of the Philippines lived in cities, compared with approximately 20% in Thailand and 13% in Indonesia. Malaysia had the lowest figure, at about 10%. By 1990, Malaysia and the Philippines had risen sharply to roughly 45% and 48% respectively, while Thailand and Indonesia reached around30% and 25%. In 2000, Malaysia climbed to 60% whereas the Philippines fell slightly to about 43%.

From 2010 onwards, Malaysia comtinued to lead, reaching approximately 70% in 2020 and a projected 80% by 2040. Indonesia is also forecast to rise considerably from 50% in 2020 to 60% in 2040. Meanwhile the Philippines is expected to increase moderately to just over 50%, while Thailand should reach around 40%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all parts of the task, providing a clear overview and selecting key features for comparison. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as Malaysia's leading position and the general upward trajectory of urbanisation across all four countries. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of projections for 2030 and 2040 demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the graph. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are perfectly aligned with the graph; for instance, your initial statement about Malaysia having the lowest figure in 1970 contradicts the visual data, which shows Indonesia at the lowest point. Precision in data reporting is essential for a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', and 'meanwhile' to contrast data points, which helps the flow of information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial data from the later trends. To improve, ensure that transitions between sentences are smoother; some parts feel slightly mechanical. Additionally, ensure that your referencing is precise, as the flow is occasionally interrupted by minor inaccuracies in the data description, which can confuse the reader regarding which country is being compared to which.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'urbanisation', 'proportion', 'projected', and 'upward trend'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'cumilating' (accumulating) and 'comtinued' (continued), which are minor but noticeable. You also use 'figures' and 'proportions' appropriately. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common vocabulary related to trends, such as 'steep climb', 'plateaued', or 'marginal increase'. The current range is sufficient for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision required for the highest bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses starting with 'while' and 'whereas'. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. However, there are some minor errors, such as 'around30%' (missing space) and occasional punctuation slips. While your control of grammar is generally good, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To improve, try to vary your sentence beginnings and incorporate more advanced structures like passive voice or participle clauses to describe the trends, which would demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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