Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-14

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 multiline graph illustrates how the proportion of the population changed in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020. It also shows the prediction for this from 2030 to 2040.

Overall, the percentage of urban residents in all four cities increased from 1970 to 2000.Although, Malaysia dominated the figures of population almost throughout the period, Indonesia rose significantly.

In 1970, urbanisation in the Philippines and Malaysia was almost 30% but it exceeded 49%-50% by 1990.But after this, the Philippines experienced a dip until 2010 when it became steady yet regained its progress. Conversely, urbanisation in Malaysia continued to grow .

In 1970, the rate of urbanisation in Indonesia and Thailand was almost 15%-18% and it continued to grow, by 2020 it was 50% for Indonesia and 30% for Thailand.

According to predictions, the level of urbanisation will grow continuously with Philippines at the top with approximately 80% and Thailand at the bottom with almost 42%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of urbanisation across four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, alongside future predictions up to 2040. The response selects key comparative data points effectively, such as noting that in 1970 urbanisation in the Philippines and Malaysia was around 30%, whereas Indonesia and Thailand started much lower at 15%-18%. Key trends are highlighted, including Malaysia's dominance throughout the period and the future projection placing the Philippines at the top by 2040. While some data could be slightly more detailed or extended to reach a higher band, all requirements for an overview, selection of main features, and relevant comparisons are met clearly and accurately, supporting a solid Band 7 rating.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response opens with a standard introductory paragraph, moves into a clear overall trend statement, and then breaks down the specific country data into structured body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Overall', 'Conversely', and 'According to predictions', ensuring smooth transitions between ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. However, occasional minor cohesion issues appear, such as the awkward punctuation and spacing around 'Although, Malaysia...' and sentence boundary errors ('urbanisation in Malaysia continued to grow .'). These flaws prevent the response from achieving a higher score, placing it comfortably in the Band 6.5 to 7 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary adequate for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'proportion', 'urban residents', 'urbanisation', and 'predictions'. There are also successful attempts at less common vocabulary items like 'dominated', 'significantly', and 'continuously'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as referring to countries as 'cities' in the overview ('percentage of urban residents in all four cities'), and occasional awkward phrasing like 'regained its progress'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication. This performance aligns well with the descriptors for Band 6.0, as the vocabulary is adequate but contains noticeable slips in precision and word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures like 'while the proportion of the population changed...' and 'when it became steady yet regained its progress'. There are, however, several grammatical and punctuation errors present throughout the text. Examples include missing spaces or incorrect punctuation (e.g., '1970 to 2000.Although, Malaysia...', 'grow . In 1970'), and minor phrasing issues like 'with Philippines at the top'. Despite these errors, the sentences are generally understandable and do not heavily impede communication. The combination of simple and complex structures alongside noticeable punctuation and grammatical slips fits the Band 6.0 profile accurately.

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