Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates data on the percentage of the population living in four Asian countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia,Tailand and the Phillipines from 1970 to 2020, with projections of 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the total population in all countries followed an upward trend, with expectation of further expansion. The population of both countries including Malaysia and Indonesia increased dramatically, will comprise the first largest and second largest population, respectively, by 2040.

Firstly, the Philippines was highly populated at the beginning of the period, reaching in its peak level at approximately 50% in 1990 before declining to almost 42% by 2010, after that it increased gradually and predicted to increase at the same rate. Compared with, although the population of Malaysia started off at the low percentage, it overtook the population of the Philippines and rose steadily to almost 70% by 2020 and predicted to reach above 80% by the end of the period.

Notably, the population of Indonesia started off from the lowest percentage, increased dramatically and will end up the second most populated country by 2040. Thailand's population fluctuated throughout the period with nearly 20% population at start and will reach approximately 50% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main trends and making relevant comparisons across the four countries. The overview correctly identifies the general upward trend and highlights the future leaders in urbanisation, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Key data points are generally accurate, noting the Philippines starting at a higher level and Malaysia experiencing significant growth to reach over 80%. However, there are minor confusions in terminology, such as referring to the percentage of the urban population as 'the population' or 'total population' rather than the urban proportion, and some figures are slightly vague. Nevertheless, the main features are clearly selected and presented, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and body paragraphs dedicated to grouping the countries. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader, such as 'Overall', 'Firstly', and 'Compared with'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed body points. However, some referencing is slightly awkward or mechanical, such as 'Compared with, although the population...' where the transitional phrase lacks a clear object of comparison. Progression is generally clear throughout, maintaining a coherent overall arrangement that earns a solid Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common phrases like 'upward trend', 'dramatically', and 'projections'. There are, however, some spelling errors ('Tailand', 'Phillipines') and occasional word-choice inaccuracies, such as confusing 'the percentage of the population living in cities' with 'the total population'. Phrases like 'reaching in its peak level' also show minor collocational awkwardness. Despite these flaws, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main features clearly, aligning well with the Band 6 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures (e.g., 'which will comprise the first largest...'). There are, however, several grammatical errors and awkward structures, such as missing subjects or verbs in clauses ('will comprise', 'and predicted to increase'), and run-on phrasing like 'increased dramatically, will comprise'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while these errors are noticeable, they rarely impede overall communication. This performance reflects the characteristics of Band 6 grammar.

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