Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-20

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates the proportion of population living in cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, with projections until 2040.

Overall, the percentage of population living in cities is projected to grow by 2040 in each nation. Moreover, the vast majority of Malaysian population tend to live in cities in the future years.

In 1970, 30% of Malaysia’s total population lived in cities the while the figures for the Philippines were a little higher, around 31%. The percentages of both nations grew constantly by 1990, after which the proportion of Malaysia experienced an upward surge to 75% in 2020. By contrast, percentage of the Philippines increased to 50% in 2020, despite a few fluctuations. It is estimated that proportion of Malaysia will increase to 85% roughly, by 2040, dominating all other nations in terms of population living in cities. In addition, almost half of the Philippines’ population will live in cities by 2040.

Other two nations, Thailand and Indonesia, started at lowest percentages around 14% and 19%, respectively, in 1970. However, the proportion of people living in cities in both countries grew constantly to the same percentage, 30% roughly, by 2000. Later, Indonesia’s population grew considerably to 50% in 2020 and is likely to increase around 62% by 2040, marking the second nation with the highest population living in cities. The figures of Thailand showed a slight increase by 2020, but are projected to rise, almost 45% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by summarizing the main features of the line graph and making relevant comparisons across the four countries over the given time frame. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, stating that urbanization is projected to grow everywhere, with Malaysia dominating. Key data points are correctly reported, such as Malaysia's rise to 76% in 2020 and the starting points for Thailand and Indonesia in 1970. Although there are minor inaccuracies in some exact figures compared to the source data (for example, stating Thailand and Indonesia started at around 14% and 19% when Indonesia started at 14% and Thailand at 18%), these do not detract from the overall clarity and accuracy of the task response. The selection of data is well-balanced and effectively covers the period from 1970 to projections in 2040.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is clearly structured with an introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs dedicated to different country groupings. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, showing a clear progression from past data to future projections. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'In 1970', 'after which', 'By contrast', and 'Later', which help guide the reader through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct thematic blocks of information. Referencing is generally clear, though minor slips like 'Other two nations' instead of 'The other two nations' occur, but they do not disrupt the overall flow or coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, including terms such as 'proportion', 'projections', 'upward surge', 'fluctuations', and 'dominating'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation. However, there are occasional awkward phrasings or minor word-choice errors, such as 'the while' instead of 'while' and 'increase around 62%' instead of 'increase to around 62%'. Spelling is generally accurate throughout the essay, and the lexical choices allow the message to be communicated clearly and with adequate precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses and predictive forms such as 'is projected to grow' and 'is likely to increase'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and the grammar and punctuation are under good control. Some minor errors persist, such as missing articles ('the proportion of Malaysia' instead of 'the proportion for Malaysia' or 'Malaysia's proportion', and 'Other two nations' instead of 'The other two nations'). However, these errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in the band 7 range for grammatical accuracy.

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