Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-01

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 population in four different Asian countries living in cities between 1970 to 2020, with predictions for two years.

Overall, it is clear that the percentage of people living in cities in Malaysia was highest, whereas it was lowest in Thailand. Moreover, the proportion of people living in urban areas in Malaysia and Indonesia increased throughout the period, while the urban population in Philippines and Thailand increased in the beginning, decreased for a while, then grew again.

At the beginning, the urban population in Indonesia and Malaysia stood at approximately 12% and 30% respectively. After that, the population in Malaysia grew gradually to just over 40% in 1990. Then, it gone significantly to just over 80%. Similarly, the population in Indonesia rose dramatically to 60% in 2040.

However, the population of cities in Thailand was 20%. Thereafter, it rose slightly to just under 30%, then it remained constant until 2020. Finally ended roughly at 40%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the graph, identifying the trends for the four countries. However, the analysis is somewhat incomplete. You mention that the urban population in the Philippines and Thailand 'increased in the beginning, decreased for a while, then grew again,' but the provided graph does not clearly support this specific 'decrease' for these countries. Furthermore, the description of the data is occasionally imprecise, such as stating the population in Indonesia rose to 60% in 2040, whereas the graph shows a different trajectory. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are accurately extracted and that comparisons between countries are more explicitly highlighted throughout the report.

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 'Moreover,' 'At the beginning,' 'After that,' and 'However' are used to guide the reader through the information. While the progression of ideas is generally clear, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. Additionally, some sentences are slightly disjointed, particularly in the final paragraph where the sequence of events feels a bit abrupt. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion,' 'urban areas,' and 'remained constant.' However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'it gone significantly' instead of 'it grew significantly.' To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of verbs and adverbs to describe trends, such as 'surged,' 'fluctuated,' or 'a steady climb.' The vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader, such as 'it gone significantly' (incorrect verb form) and 'between 1970 to 2020' (should be 'between 1970 and 2020'). Additionally, the phrase 'Finally ended roughly at 40%' lacks a clear subject. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the overall message, they indicate a need for more careful proofreading and a better grasp of verb tenses and prepositional phrases. Increasing the variety of error-free complex sentences would help improve this score.

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

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