Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-16

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 information regarding the percentage of population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, and with predictions for 2030 as well as 2040.

Overall, al four countries are estimated to have an increasing graph by 2040. Malaysia has a considerably higher proportion of people dwelling in cities compared to Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia.

in 1970, the percentage of folks living in cities in Thailand and Indonesia were 13% and around 18% respectively. Both figures increased to 30% for Thailand and above 20% for Indonesia. After 2000, the percentage of Indonesia surpassed that of Thailand, with a more steep graph. Thailand remained in a similar range till 2020, and is expected to finish at nearly 45% in 2040. Meanwhile, the percentage of Indonesia is 50% in 2020 and is expected to surge to more than 60% at the end of 2040.

Philippines and Malaysia had more than 30% in 1970. Both graphs underwent dynamic fluctuations till 1990, after which the difference between them increased remarkably. The graph of Malaysia ascended from 45% in 1990 to more than 70% in 2020, with expectations of increase by 10% in 2040. On the other hand, Philippines dipped to 40% in 2010, recovered by a few percentage in 2020, and is estimated to finish at more than 50%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the four countries over the given time frame. An overview is provided, noting the general upward trend and Malaysia's dominance. Key data points are cited, such as the starting and ending percentages for countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for example, the student states that the figures for Thailand and Indonesia in 1970 were 13% and around 18%, whereas the chart shows them at 18% and 14% respectively. Furthermore, capitalization and minor typos appear in data references (e.g., 'al four', lowercase 'in 1970'). Despite these slight data misreadings, the overall progression and key trends are adequately and clearly outlined.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paraphrase, moves into a clear summary overview, and then groups the body paragraphs logically—pairing Thailand and Indonesia together, and the Philippines and Malaysia together. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices are employed adequately, such as 'Overall', 'Meanwhile', and 'On the other hand', although referencing and transitions can occasionally feel a bit mechanical or abrupt. Overall, the information flows reasonably well and is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to graphical data and trends such as 'multiline graph', 'proportion', 'fluctuations', 'surpass', and 'surge'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'dwelling', 'dynamic fluctuations', and 'ascended'. However, there are some noticeable inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and phrasing (e.g., 'increasing graph' instead of 'upward trend', 'folks' which is too informal for an Academic task, and 'more steep graph' instead of 'steeper trend'). Spelling is generally accurate, but minor slips occur.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses, time clauses, and passive/predicative constructions (e.g., 'is expected to finish at nearly 45%', 'are estimated to have an increasing graph'). There are several error-free sentences, demonstrating good control of tenses when dealing with past data and future predictions. However, some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing persist, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('the percentage of folks... were' instead of 'was') and minor prepositional or structural slips. These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the score from reaching a higher band.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.