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 compares the percentages of the population living in cities in four Asian nation: the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between the years 1970 and 2020, with future predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it is evident from the graph that the urban population of all four countries increased over time. Malaysia by far is the most urbanized country, whereas Thailand is the least.
In 1970, Malaysia started with a 30% population rate, followed closely by the Philippines at 30%, its cities population showed a steady increase throughout the period and is expected to increase over 83% by 2040. Conversely, the percentages for the Philippines fluctuated, dropping after 1990 before climbing again, and is anticipated to rise by 2040.
Meanwhile, Indonesia and Thailand were the least urbanized countries in 1970 accounting for 13% and 18% of the population respectively. The proportion of population in Indonesia increased throughout the timeframe, overtaking the Philippines and Thailand and is expected to peak at 64% by 2040. While Thailand's figures plateaued until 2020, and they are projected to increase by 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student successfully covers all four countries and spans the entire timeframe from 1970 to 2040, providing an adequate overview in the second paragraph noting that urban populations increased and that Malaysia is the most urbanized while Thailand is the least. Key features and comparisons are generally well-reported, such as Malaysia's steep rise and Indonesia's overtaking of other nations. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies in data reporting; for example, the student states Malaysia started with a 30% rate (correct) but then conflates it in the same sentence by saying 'followed closely by the Philippines at 30%, its cities population showed a steady increase...', and later mentions Indonesia started at 13% where the data shows 14%. Despite these minor numerical slips, the response fully addresses the prompt requirements with relevant data points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph paraphrasing the prompt, followed by an overview paragraph, and then detailed body paragraphs grouping the countries effectively (Malaysia and the Philippines in one, Indonesia and Thailand in another). Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Conversely', 'Meanwhile', and 'While' are used to connect ideas and signal contrasts, though referencing is occasionally slightly ambiguous as seen in 'its cities population'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the visual data.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to data trends such as 'percentages', 'urbanized', 'steady increase', 'fluctuated', 'overtaking', and 'projected'. There are some minor lexical and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'four Asian nation' (missing plural 'nations') and 'its cities population' instead of 'its urban population' or 'city population'. Less common items are attempted with some awareness of style, but occasional slips keep this at a Band 6 level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and time markers effectively (e.g., 'The line graph compares the percentages...'). There are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues throughout, such as comma splices or run-on structures (e.g., '...steady increase throughout the period and is expected to increase over 83% by 2040' and '...fluctuating, dropping after 1990 before climbing again, and is anticipated to rise...'). However, these errors rarely impede communication and the meaning remains clear.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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