Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19

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 linear representation illustrates the information related to the percentage of the population in Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia) living in cities from 1970 to 2020 and predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is witnessed that the population had increased in every country and was expected to climb in the future also. Moreover, data is given in the form of percentages. The population of the Indonesia and Malaysia increased significantly.

In 1970, just 30% people of Malaysia were living in cities and it rose steadily by 10% till 1990. Moreover, it had a sharp rise of 35% till 2020 and it reached approximately 75%. It is expected that the population will increase in the future by 5% till 2040. In 1970, just 12% of the people of Indonesia had lived in cities. Furthermore, number increased slowly by 20% till 2000. it had a significant rise of 20% till 2020 and expected that number will cross 55% till 2040. In 1970, just 10% individuals were living in cities and the number rose steadily till 1990 and reached approximately 30%. It levelled off till 2020 but it is expected to increase in future by 15%. Till 1980 just 30% people had lived in cities of Philippines and the number rose dramatically by 20% till 1990. It had a steady drop of 10% till 2010 and remained approximately same in 2020. It is predicted that it will rise by 10% till 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all four countries and provides data for both past years and future predictions, thus addressing all parts of the task. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, stating that the urban population increased in every country and is expected to continue growing, although the observation about percentages and specific countries is somewhat brief. While the main trends are reported, there are some inaccuracies in the specific data points cited in the body paragraph; for instance, the student states that in 1970 just 30% of people in Malaysia were living in cities (it was 30%), but misstates figures for others or blurs specific years. However, clear comparisons are made between the countries and the trajectory of urbanisation over time.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into an introduction, an overview, and a detailed body paragraph. However, the body paragraph is presented as a single, very dense block of text containing multiple countries and timeframes, making it difficult to follow the logical progression. Cohesive devices are used, but sometimes repetitively or mechanically, such as starting multiple sentences with 'In 1970' or 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is not used effectively to separate different countries or time periods into clear, readable sections, which detracts from the overall coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with attempts to use less common items and trend-related vocabulary such as 'rose steadily', 'sharp rise', and 'levelled off'. However, there are notable inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'The linear representation illustrates' instead of 'The line graph illustrates', and occasional awkward expressions like 'the population had increased' and 'just 12% of the people of Indonesia had lived in cities'. Spelling is generally correct, but lexical control is limited by repetitive structures and occasional unnatural collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating future predictions and past tense narratives. However, there are frequent errors in verb tenses and grammar, particularly with past perfect usage where simple past is required ('had lived in cities', 'had increased'), and issues with articles and prepositions ('population of the Indonesia'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur regularly enough to prevent the writing from achieving a higher band score. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but sentence structures often feel strained.

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