Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-11

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 line graph illustrates the amount of total population living in cities in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 and 2020 with expected population for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is clear that, all the four countries are expected to experience a continuous rise in their populations over the entire 70-year period. Malaysia and Indonesia show the most dramatic growth, with Malaysia consistently maintaining the highest proporation of city residents for most of the period.

In 1970, the Philippines had the highest percentage of population at roughly 32% followed by Malaysia at 30%. By 2000, Malaysia surpassed the Philippines at around 60%, while the philippines experienced a slight drop in 2000 and 2010 at about 43% and 42% respectively. Afterwards, the Philippines began a steady recovery, projected to reach roughly 50% by 2040. Whereas, Malaysia's urban population grew rapidly crossing over 70% by 2020 and predicted to peak over 80% by 2040.

Regarding Thailand and Indonesia stood at lower levels, with approximately 18% and 13% respectively. By 2000, the percentage of city dwellers in both countries rose gradually untill they equal at around 25%. Indonesia then witnessed a sharp rise overtaking Thailand and passing the Philippines by 2010 at about 45% and it is anticipated to reach approximately at 60% by 2040. While Thailand, despite having the slowest initial growth, accelerated after 2020 and is forecasted to see the percentage of urban population reach just over 40% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends and made relevant comparisons between the four countries. The overview is clear and highlights the general upward trend and the specific performance of Malaysia and Indonesia. Key data points are used to support the descriptions, such as the 2000 crossover point for Malaysia and the Philippines. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are described with complete accuracy; for instance, the description of the Philippines' 'slight drop' in 2000 and 2010 is well-observed, but ensure the distinction between historical data and projections is consistently clear throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'In 1970', 'By 2000', 'Afterwards', and 'Regarding' are used to guide the reader through the timeline and comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the analysis of the two pairs of countries. The progression of ideas is smooth, though some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'consistently maintaining', 'surpassed', 'steady recovery', and 'accelerated' are used effectively. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'amount of total population' (should be 'percentage of the total population') and 'Regarding Thailand and Indonesia stood at' (grammatically awkward). However, these errors do not impede communication, and you successfully use topic-specific vocabulary related to data trends and urban demographics.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several instances of grammatical errors that slightly affect the flow, such as 'untill they equal at around 25%' (should be 'until they equalized at') and 'reach approximately at 60%' (the 'at' is redundant). Despite these slips, the majority of sentences are clear and error-free. You have used a variety of structures, including participial phrases and comparative clauses, which demonstrates a good level of control over complex grammar.

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