Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-18

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 following line graph illustrates the knowledge regarding the percentage of population living in urban areas in four different countries of Asia from 1970 to 2020 along with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the number of people living in cities seem to be increasing in the last 50 years. Furthermore, assumptions are made that the percentage is still going to increase till 2040.

Looking at the graph in more detail, the percentage of individuals living in urban areas in Malaysia skyrocketed from 30% back in 1970 to 75% of the total population in 2020. In addition to this, the percentage is predicted to reach 85% by 2040. Similarly, from 1970 to 2020, the population of residents in Indonesia living in urban areas appears to be increasing rapidly reaching 50% of the total population in 2020 and it is predicted to reach 60% until 2040. Subsequently, The cities population of Thailand also had a nominal incline in the last 50 years reaching 25% in 2020 from 19% back in 1970 and predicted to increase upto 45% till 2040.

On the other hand, fluctuation can be seen in the cities population of Philippines as it increased dramatically in 1990 reaching 49% of the total population but dropped back to 42% in 2020. It is assumed to increase and reach 52% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons across the four countries over the given time frame. An overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trend in urbanization. Key data points are correctly cited, such as Malaysia starting at 30% in 1970 and reaching 76% in 2020, and Indonesia rising from 14% to 52%. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in specific data reporting, for instance stating that the Philippines dropped back to 42% in 2020 (when the chart indicates approximately 45.5%) and that Thailand reached 25% in 2020 (the chart shows around 33.5%). Despite these minor data discrepancies, the overall response is well-structured and covers all countries and periods adequately, aligning with a Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptor. Overall, the task is addressed competently.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is arranged logically with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory statement, followed by an overview paragraph, detailed body paragraphs for the countries, and a concluding point for the Philippines. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices are employed to connect sentences and clauses, such as 'In addition to this', 'Similarly', and 'On the other hand'. However, some cohesive links feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, and referencing is occasionally imprecise. For instance, the transition 'Subsequently, The cities population' contains a capitalization error and awkward phrasing. Nevertheless, the logical organization is clear throughout, supporting a solid Band 6.5 level.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, utilizing terms like 'urban areas', 'skyrocketed', 'rapidly', and 'fluctuation'. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'nominal incline' and 'assumptions are made', though some word choices and collocations are slightly unnatural or inaccurate, such as 'the cities population' instead of 'the urban population' or 'the proportion of city dwellers'. Spelling is generally accurate, but minor lexical infelicities prevent the response from achieving a higher band. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points clearly, meriting a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and predictive structures like 'is predicted to reach'. There are, however, several grammatical errors and awkward structures throughout the text. For example, 'the number of people living in cities seem to be increasing' contains a subject-verb agreement error ('seem' instead of 'seems'). Additionally, phrases like 'increase upto 45% till 2040' exhibit prepositions that could be more polished ('up to 2040'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but minor slips occur. Because simple structures are handled reasonably well while complex attempts contain noticeable errors that occasionally distract, a Band 6.0 is appropriate.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.