Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The line graph illustrates changes in the percentage of the population living in cities across four Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, over the period from 1970 to 2040.
Overall, it is evident that the figures followed varying trends over the given period, with some countries increasing, while others fluctuated. Malaysia recorded the highest figure, whereas Indonesia had the lowest figure. However, Indonesia increased significantly over the period.
Looking at the details, the Philippines stood at approximately 31% of the total population in 1970 and then fluctuated slightly before reaching roughly 55% of the total population by the end of the period. Moreover, Thailand started at 19% of the total population in 1970 and increased continuously to approximately 48% of the total population in 2040.
Malaysia stood at 30% of the total population in 1970 and then rose sharply to approximately 82% by the end of the period. Furthermore, Indonesia started at roughly 14% of the total population and rose dramatically to approximately 43% of the total population in 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 | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student addresses all parts of the task by summarizing the main trends for all four countries across the given time frame. An appropriate overall trend is identified, noting the varying trajectories and the fact that Malaysia recorded the highest figure. Key features and comparisons are highlighted, such as the significant rise in Malaysia and Indonesia. However, there is a minor data error in the final paragraph regarding Indonesia: the student states it rose to approximately 43% in 2040, whereas the graph shows it reaching around 64% by 2040 (43% was actually the figure for 2010). Despite this inaccuracy, the response successfully covers the scope of the visual data with a clear overview.
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 subsequent body paragraphs detailing specific country data. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to link ideas, such as 'Overall', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in the structure of an Academic Task 1 response. Referencing throughout the text is generally clear, contributing to a coherent reading experience.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully incorporating terms and phrases such as 'percentage of the population', 'fluctuated slightly', 'rose sharply', and 'rose dramatically'. There are some successful attempts to use less common vocabulary, though precision is occasionally affected, such as the misuse of data for Indonesia mentioned in task achievement. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate and do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 6 descriptor range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over past tense narrative structures and predictive references. Examples include 'The line graph illustrates changes in...' and 'while others fluctuated'. There are some minor grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'the Philippines stood at' (with spacing issues), but these errors rarely impede communication and the majority of sentences remain structurally sound and clear.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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