Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 depicts information about the demographic data about cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia over a period of 70 years, while last two decades illustrate about the projection.

Overall, it is evident that cities population increased in all countries across the period shown. The highest growth in urban population accounted for Malaysia, while the lowest growth was in Thailand.

The Philippines and Malaysia started from the same percentage of 31% in 1970 but there was a considerable increase in Malaysian urban population, reaching 60% in 2000 and then further increased to 70% in 2020 and it is expected that their 85% population will live in cities by 2040. On the other hand, The Philippines urban population stood at 31% in 1980, then increased sharply to around 45% in 1990 and then declined in next two decades, reaching 40% in 2020. It is predicted that their cities population will increase in 2040 up to 55%.

Thailand showed a gradual increase in the urban population, accounting for 19% in 1970 and then 30% in 2020 and it is projected that their population will increase in 2040, giving the urban life to 45% residents. Indonesia started from 12%, which increased sharply to 40%, surpassing Thailand and the Philippines urban population of 2020. It is expected that it will reach to 60% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all four countries and the time period effectively. You have identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons, such as noting that Malaysia experienced the highest growth while Indonesia surpassed others by 2020. However, there is a factual error regarding the Philippines; the graph shows a steady increase rather than a decline between 1990 and 2020. Additionally, the overview is slightly generic. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are interpreted accurately and that the overview highlights the most significant overall trends rather than just stating that everything increased.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, and you use cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'Overall' to link sections. However, some transitions are a bit mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'their 85% population' is slightly awkward. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to the correct subjects would enhance the flow of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'demographic data', 'projection', and 'surpassing'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'cities population' instead of 'urban population' and 'giving the urban life to', which sounds unnatural. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the phrasing occasionally lacks precision. Focusing on collocations related to data trends (e.g., 'a steady climb', 'a significant surge') would help elevate your lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'last two decades illustrate about the projection' (should be 'illustrate the projections') and 'accounted for Malaysia' (should be 'was seen in Malaysia'). Some sentences are slightly clunky, such as 'it is expected that their 85% population will live in cities'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing your control over articles and prepositions will improve accuracy.

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

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