Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-08

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 following report presents information on the urban population percentages in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2040, as depicted in the provided graph.

Overall, it is crystal clear that the trend shows a consistent increase in urban population percentages for all four Asian countries from 1970 to 2040, with Malaysia projected to have the highest percentage by 2040.

At a fleeting glance, in 1970, the urban population percentage in the Philippines stood at 35%, the highest among the four countries. Over the next two decades, the Philippines experienced significant growth, reaching 50% by 1990. By 2040, the urban population percentage in the Philippines is predicted to be 55%, showing a steady upward trajectory over the years.

In contrast, Malaysia had the second-highest urban population percentage in 1970 at 30%, which increased to 45% by 1990. The projections for 2040 place Malaysia at the forefront with an estimated urban population percentage of 85%, showcasing a remarkable rise over the decades.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to address the task fully. While you have identified the main trends for the Philippines and Malaysia, you have completely omitted any mention of Thailand and Indonesia, which are explicitly listed in the prompt and shown in the graph. To achieve a higher band, you must report on all data sets provided. The overview is clear, but the body paragraphs are incomplete because they do not cover the entire scope of the information. You need to ensure that all four countries are compared and contrasted to meet the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and separate paragraphs for the countries discussed. You use cohesive devices such as 'In contrast' and 'Over the next two decades' effectively to guide the reader. However, because the response is incomplete regarding the data, the overall progression is hindered. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow between sentences is generally smooth. To improve, ensure that your cohesive devices are used to link all four countries rather than just focusing on two, which would create a more cohesive and comprehensive summary of the entire graph.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'upward trajectory', 'projected', and 'at the forefront'. The language is generally natural and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied and precise vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'plateaued', 'surpassed', or 'fluctuated', rather than relying primarily on 'increased' or 'growth'. Your current range is adequate but lacks the sophistication required for the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response shows a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice ('is predicted to be') and complex noun phrases effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors in punctuation or tense usage. Most sentences are error-free, which is a strength. To improve further, ensure that you maintain consistency in your verb tenses when discussing projections versus historical data. Overall, your control of grammar is solid, and the occasional minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of your writing.

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

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