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 the 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 continued 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 the 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 than Philippines and Thailand. While 19% of population in Thailand lived in cities in the 1970 and there was a steady increase between 1990 to 2020. It is expected to reach 45% in the next years which is the lowest figure among all four countries.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student provides a clear overview and successfully selects and reports the main features of the line graph. Key trends are identified, such as Malaysia having the highest urbanization rate and Indonesia showing significant growth from its lowest starting point in 1970 to finish above the Philippines and Thailand. Figures are generally reported accurately, such as '30% of population in Malaysia lived in cities' in 1970 rising to '75% by 2020'. However, there are minor inaccuracies in some of the data reporting (e.g., stating Indonesia started at 12% rather than 14%, and Thailand starting at 19% instead of 18%), but these minor deviations do not detract from the overall clarity and accurate depiction of trends. All parts of the task are addressed adequately with relevant comparisons made.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph, followed by an overview, and then two body paragraphs dividing the countries logically. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader, such as 'Overall', 'In 1970', 'However', and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is appropriate and logical. However, some referencing and linking could be smoother, and minor mechanical errors in cohesion occur (e.g., 'Malaysia consistently recorded the highest population while Indonesia despite being the lowest figure experienced the growth'). Overall, the logical structure and clear flow warrant a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, using terms such as 'illustrates', 'consistently recorded', 'fluctuations', and 'gradually increased'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with some success, though there are occasional inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing, such as 'lowest figure experienced the growth' and 'finished at higher level'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main trends and comparisons without impeding communication, fitting the Band 6 descriptor well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating clauses of time and contrast (e.g., 'The line graph illustrates...', 'while Indonesia despite being the lowest figure experienced the growth...'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as missing articles ('population in Philippines') and punctuation slips (missing commas around 'despite being the lowest figure'). However, these errors rarely impede communication and the majority of sentences are understandable, supporting a Band 6.0 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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