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 Thailand had the lowest figure. However, it increased significantly over the period.

Looking at the details, the Philippines stood at approximately 31%  in 1970 and then fluctuated slightly before reaching roughly 55% by the end of the period. Moreover, Thailand started at 19% in 1970 and increased continuously to approximately 48% in 2040.

Malaysia stood at 30% in 1970 and then rose sharply to approximately 82% by the end of the period. Furthermore, Indonesia started at roughly 14% and rose dramatically to

approximately 43% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student provides a good overview of the trends and attempts to report key features and comparisons across the four countries. However, there is a notable under-length penalty since the response is 145 words, falling short of the 150-word minimum. Furthermore, some data points contain inaccuracies: for instance, the writer states that Indonesia rose dramatically to approximately 43% in 2040, whereas the chart shows Indonesia reaching 64% by 2040 (43% was actually the figure for 2010). These data misinterpretations limit the overall development and precision of the response, keeping it at a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized logically with a clear introduction, an overall summary paragraph, and body paragraphs dedicated to detailing specific country data. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Furthermore', and 'then' are used to connect ideas, though referencing and transition management occasionally feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to structure the information, ensuring the progression is generally easy to follow. This meets the criteria for Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate functional terms like 'illustrates', 'percentage', 'fluctuated', and 'rose sharply'. The student attempts some less common phrasing ('ranging from', 'continuous increase'), though vocabulary choices remain fairly standard. There are minor inaccuracies in word usage and data reporting, but these do not impede overall communication. The lexical range is sufficient for a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a satisfactory mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The line graph illustrates changes in...' and 'Malaysia recorded the highest figure, whereas Thailand had the lowest figure.' Grammatical control is generally decent, with several error-free sentences, although some minor structural awkwardness exists. Errors are infrequent and do not impede the reader's understanding. This performance aligns well with the Band 6.5 descriptors.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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