Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-07

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 GRAPH COMPARES THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION LIVING IN CITIES IN FOUR DIFFERENT ASIAN COUNTRIES FROM 1970 TO 2020, ALONG WITH PREDICTIONS OF POPULATION PERCENTAGE FOR 2030 AND 2040.

OVERALL, THE POPULATION IN CITIES OF MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA INCREASED STEADILY FROM 1970 TO 2020 AND IT WILL RISE FROM 2030 TO 2040, HOWEVER THE TREND OF THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION IN THAILAND AND PHILIPPINES WAS ROUGHLY SAME FROM 1970 TO 2000 AND FROM 2020 TO 2040.

IN MALAYSIA, THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION OF CITIES WAS 30%, ROSE TO 75% TILL 2020, WHEREAS IN INDONESIA THE POULATION PERCENTAGE WAS 15%, RAISED TO 50% AND WILL REACH AT 60% TILL 2040. IN THAILAND, IT WAS APPROXIMATELY 20% IN 1970, INCREASED TO ROUGHLY 30% IN 1990 , REMAINED SAME TILL 2020 AND WILL INCREASE ABRUBTLY IN 2030 AND 2040, MEANWHILE THE POPULATION PERCENTAGE IN PHILIPPINES SHOWED MARKED FLUCTUATION, IT WAS 30% IN 1970, REMAINED SAME TILL 1980, BUT INCREASED DRAMATICALLY FROM FROM 1980 TO 1990, WHEREAS IT DECLINED SHARPLY FROM 1990 TO 2010 AND WILL INCREAE STEADILY FROM 2030 TO 2040.

TO CONCLUDE, THE GRAPH SHOWS THE POPULATION WILL RISE IN COMING YEARS IN CITIES OF PHILIPPINES,MALAYSIA,THAILAND AND INDONESIA.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included the required time periods, including the future predictions. However, the response lacks a clear separation between the overview and the detailed body paragraphs, and some data points are slightly inaccurate or confusingly presented. For instance, stating that the trend for Thailand and the Philippines was 'roughly same' is a broad generalization that lacks precision. To reach a higher band, ensure that you select the most significant data points rather than listing every minor fluctuation, and ensure your comparisons are more precise.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For example, the frequent use of 'in' and 'whereas' is functional but lacks variety. Additionally, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. The use of paragraphing is present, but the internal flow within the paragraphs could be improved by using a wider range of linking words to connect the data points more fluidly rather than simply listing them.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information, such as 'steadily', 'fluctuation', and 'dramatically'. However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'reach at 60%' (should be 'reach 60%') and 'increase abrubtly' (spelling error). The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more varied reporting verbs and adverbs to describe trends, and ensure that your spelling is accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'in cities of Philippines'), incorrect preposition usage, and punctuation errors, such as the lack of spaces after commas and the use of capital letters for the entire text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring consistent punctuation and capitalization.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.