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, it 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 provides a good overview of the main trends shown in the graph, noting the highest and lowest countries and general upward trajectories. Key data points are selected and reported appropriately, such as the initial and final percentages for Malaysia and Thailand. However, there is a factual error in the conclusion regarding Indonesia: the student states that Indonesia rose to approximately 43% of the total population in 2040, whereas the graph indicates it reached around 64% by 2040 (43% was actually the figure for 2010). Despite this misread data point, the response covers all four countries and spans the timeframe effectively, fulfilling the core requirements of Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear overall structure, including an introductory paragraph, an overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to specific countries. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the data, such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the details', and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is logical, separating the general summary from the detailed body points. However, some transitions and referencing could be smoother, and the grouping of data points is slightly disjointed, preventing the response from reaching higher bands. Overall, the progression of information is clear and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, employing terms such as 'illustrates', 'percentage', 'fluctuated', and 'rose sharply'. There are some successful attempts at less common phrasing, such as 'vaying trends' and 'continuous increase'. However, word choice and data reporting contain inaccuracies, notably the misreading of the data for Indonesia ('rose dramatically to approximately 43%... in 2040'). Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in the competent band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses ('countries, namely the Philippines...') and compound-complex sentences. Grammatical control is fairly good, with many error-free sentences ('The line graph illustrates changes in the percentage...'). Punctuation is generally accurate, and errors are infrequent enough that they do not impede understanding. While the range of complex structures is somewhat standard rather than highly sophisticated, the grammatical accuracy is sufficient for a competent score.
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