Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-04

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 information regarding the proportion of population in four countries of Asia over the given period of time and predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, Malaysia remained the most populated country from 1970 to 2020 and has higher predictions for coming years. While, Indonesia has been observed with least proportion of people till 2000 and rose up to 44% by 2010 crossing Thailand and Philippines and predicted approximately 60% by 2040. Philippines and Thailand shown irregular movements in graph and rose over time.

The percentage of population in Malaysia was 30% by 1970 which started rising gradually and reached 76% by 2020 and will increase to about 85% according to predictions for 2020 and 2040. Philippines started from 31% remained same till 1980 then rose to approximately 50% by 1990. The percentage fell by 2010 which was around 46% by 2020 and predicted to above 50% in future. While Thailand was comprised about 18% of population in start and rose to approximately 30% by 1990. Seemed gradual increase till 2020 and predicted higher in coming years. Indonesia was low in start of the period but rose to about 50% by 2020 and predicted more for 2030 and 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all four countries and the time period, including the future projections. You successfully identified the main trends, such as Malaysia's consistent growth and the overall upward trajectory for all nations. However, the analysis is slightly hampered by inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, you state Malaysia will reach 85% by 2020 and 2040, which is confusing, and your description of the Philippines' fluctuations is somewhat vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are cited with greater precision and that the comparison between countries is more explicit rather than just listing individual country trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. There is a clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. Phrases like 'While' and 'The percentage of' are used frequently to start sentences, which limits the flow. Additionally, some transitions between sentences are abrupt, such as the jump between the overview and the specific data points. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'illustrates', and 'gradually'. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'irregular movements in graph' instead of 'fluctuations' and 'low in start of the period' instead of 'low at the beginning of the period'. There are also minor errors in phrasing, such as 'will increase to about 85% according to predictions for 2020 and 2040', which is logically inconsistent. Expanding your range of academic vocabulary and focusing on precise collocations would improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the' is often missing) and prepositions ('in start' instead of 'at the start'). Some sentences are slightly disjointed, such as 'Seemed gradual increase till 2020', which lacks a clear subject. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will help improve your grammatical accuracy.

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