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,Thailand and the Philippines from 1970 to 2020, with projections for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it can be seen that the total population in all countries followed an upward trend, with an 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 its peak level at approximately 50% in 1990 before declining to almost 42% by 2010, after that it increased gradually and is predicted to increase at the same rate. In comparison, 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 is predicted to reach above 80% by the end of the period.

Notably, the population of Indonesia started off from a low percentage, increased dramatically and will end up as 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 addresses all parts of the prompt by summarizing the main features of urbanization trends across the four countries from 1970 to 2040. An overview is provided, noting the general upward trend and the expected future status of Malaysia and Indonesia. Key data points are selected and reported, such as Malaysia's rise to over 80% and the Philippines' peak and subsequent fluctuation. However, there is a slight confusion in the text regarding the term 'population' instead of 'percentage of the population living in cities,' which slightly weakens precision. Overall, the content covers the visual data effectively, earning a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is organized into four logical paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing specific country trends. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly,' 'In comparison,' and 'Notably' are utilized to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from specific comparisons. However, referencing is occasionally slightly loose, such as the unclear pronoun connection in 'after that it increased gradually.' Progression is clear overall, but some transitions feel a bit mechanical, placing this firmly in the Band 6.5 territory.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range suitable for the task, successfully employing terms like 'upward trend,' 'dramatically,' 'fluctuated,' and 'projections.' There are some awkward lexical choices and inaccuracies, notably confusing 'percentage of the population living in cities' with 'population' throughout (e.g., writing 'the population of both countries... will comprise the first largest... population'), which misuses the word population. Despite these word-choice slips, communication is not impeded, and the range is sufficient for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and comparative structures. There are several grammatical errors and awkward clause linkages, such as 'increased dramatically, will comprise the first largest' (missing subject and incorrect verb tense/form) and 'nearly 20% population at start'. Complex structures are sometimes faulty, but simpler sentences tend to be accurate and meaning remains clear throughout the response. This performance fits the Band 6.0 descriptors.

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