Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-21

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 changes in the urban population percentages of four Asian nations, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, spanning from 1970 to 2040.

Overall, all four countries experienced a rise in population percentages from 1970 to 2020, with projections indicating a further increase by 2040. Malaysia is anticipated to have the highest urban population percentage by 2040, followed by Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The urban population of Malaysia showed consistent growth over the years, starting at 30% in 1970 and reaching nearly 45% by 1990. Subsequently, there was a significant surge, with expectations to surpass 80% by 2040. Similarly, Indonesia witnessed a comparable pattern, beginning at approximately 10% and is predicted to hit almost 60% by 2040.

Thailand displayed a modest increase in its population from about 20% in 1970 to just under 30% in 2020, with a more substantial climb projected for 2040. In contrast, the Philippines experienced fluctuating pattern in the initial 40 years but is predicted to steadily rise to nearly 40% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and reporting the main trends and comparisons for the four countries. Key features are accurately identified, such as Malaysia having the highest projected urban population by 2040 and Indonesia's substantial growth. The overview captures both the historical period from 1970 to 2020 and the future projections up to 2040. However, there are minor inaccuracies in some specific data points; for instance, the student states that the Philippines is predicted to reach 'nearly 40% by 2040,' whereas the graph shows it rising to around 55.5%. Despite this minor misreading of a projected value, the response covers the core elements of the prompt well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with a well-formulated introduction, followed by a concise overview paragraph, and then body paragraphs dedicated to grouping the countries logically (Malaysia and Indonesia in one, Thailand and the Philippines in another). Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect ideas, such as 'Subsequently,' 'Similarly,' and 'In contrast.' Paragraphing is used appropriately, ensuring that each paragraph has a distinct central topic. Reference words and substitutions are generally clear and contribute to the smooth flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, employing terms such as 'illustrates,' 'projections,' 'significant surge,' and 'fluctuating pattern.' There are occasional awkward expressions or minor lexical inaccuracies, such as 'experienced fluctuating pattern' (missing an article) and some slightly imprecise data descriptions. However, the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the main trends and comparisons clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used throughout the essay. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'spanning from 1970 to 2040' and 'with expectations to surpass 80% by 2040.' Grammatical control is generally good; however, there is a minor omission of a plural article in 'experienced fluctuating pattern' and a slightly awkward parallel structure in 'beginning at approximately 10% and is predicted.' These errors are infrequent and do not impede communication, allowing the majority of sentences to remain error-free.

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