Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The rendered bar graph depicts the information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. The data has been calibrated into percentage.

Overall, it is crystal clear that all four countries experienced a rise in population percentages from 1970 to 2020, with projections indicating a further increase by 2040. Malaysia is anticipated to have the highest urban population percentage by 2040, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

At a fleeting glance, the urban population of Malaysia showed consistent growth over the years, starting at 30% in 1970 and reaching nearly 45% by 1990. Subsequently, there was a significant surge, with expectations to surpass 80% by 2040. Similarly, Indonesia witnessed a comparable pattern, beginning at approximately 10% and is predicted to hit almost 60% by 2040.

Moreover, Thailand displayed a modest increase in its population from about 20% in 1970 to just under 30% in 2020, with a more substantial climb projected for 2040. In contrast, the Philippines experienced fluctuating pattern in the initial 40 years but is predicted to steadily rise to nearly 40% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included both historical data and future projections. The key features, such as Malaysia's significant growth and the relative stability of other nations, are highlighted well. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are accurate; for instance, check if the Philippines' trend is described precisely according to the graph provided. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt effectively by selecting and reporting the most significant information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'Moreover', and 'In contrast' to guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow. To improve, ensure that the transition between sentences is always natural and that referencing remains clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'calibrated', 'anticipated', 'surge', and 'modest increase' appropriately. This shows an awareness of style suitable for an academic report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to describe the data trends, such as 'upward trajectory' or 'plateaued', rather than relying on more common descriptive phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is generally good. There are minor slips, such as 'experienced fluctuating pattern' (missing an article: 'a fluctuating pattern'). However, these errors are infrequent and do not hinder the reader's understanding. You demonstrate a solid grasp of tense usage, particularly when shifting between historical data and future projections. Continued practice with complex sentence structures will further enhance your accuracy.

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

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