Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17
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 line graph illustrates the percentage of the population in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Units are measured in percentage.
Overall, the percentage of the population in all four asian countries rose over the period. Malaysia consistently recorded the highest population while Indonesia despite being the lowest figure experienced the growth and finished at higher level than Philippines and Thailand.
In 1970, 30% of population in Malaysia lived in cities and continuing to rise to 75% by 2020, making it highest figure among all four countries and it is expected to reach 80% in the next 20 years. However, 31% of population in Philippines lived in cities in the 1970 and it rose to 45% by the year 2020 despite the fluctuations and it is expected to reach above 50% in the next 20 years.
On the other hand, 12% of population in Indonesia lived in cities in the 1970 and it gradually increased to 50% by the 2020 which is higher than Philippines and Thailand. While 19% of population in Thailand lived in cities in the 1970 and there was a steadily increase between 1990 to 2020. It is expected to reach 45% in the next years which is lowest figure among all four countries.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by providing an overview of the main trends and selecting key data points to report and compare across the four countries. The response accurately notes that Malaysia experienced the highest urbanisation rate, while Indonesia and Thailand started lower but saw substantial growth. However, there are minor inaccuracies in some of the specific figures reported (e.g., stating Malaysia was at 30% in 1970 when the graph shows around 30, and stating Indonesia was at 12% in 1970 when it was around 14%). Despite these minor numerical discrepancies, the overall trends and comparisons are well covered, satisfying the requirements for Band 7.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and an overall summary, followed by body paragraphs detailing the specific country trends. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1970', 'However', and 'On the other hand' are employed to guide the reader through the data. Progression is clear throughout the text, although paragraphing could be slightly more balanced by separating the analysis of individual countries more distinctly. Overall cohesion is well managed, supporting a clear logical flow and earning a solid Band 7.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate and flexible range of vocabulary suited to a task 1 response, using terms such as 'illustrates', 'consistently recorded', 'fluctuations', and 'gradually increased'. There are some minor lexical slips and awkward collocations, such as 'experienced the growth and finished at higher level' and 'steadily increase' (instead of steady increase). Nonetheless, the vocabulary used is sufficient to communicate the main features clearly, aligning with the criteria for Band 6.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and predictive statements like 'it is expected to reach 80% in the next 20 years'. There are several grammatical errors and punctuation lapses, such as missing articles ('in Philippines', 'in 1970'), incorrect prepositions ('at higher level'), and run-on structures linked with coordinating conjunctions without proper comma usage. While these errors do not impede overall communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the score from reaching Band 7.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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