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 all four countries showing an overall increase. Malaysia recorded the highest figure, whereas Thailand had the lowest figure in 2040. Indonesia also experienced a significant increase 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 steadily 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 6.0

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting data for all four countries across the given timeframe. A clear overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trend and end-point comparisons. Key features, such as Malaysia having the highest urbanization rate and the significant growth in Indonesia, are correctly identified. However, there is a factual error in the final paragraph regarding Indonesia's ending data point: the student states it rose 'to approximately 43% in 2040', whereas the graph shows it reaching 64% in 2040 (43% was actually the figure for 2010). Despite this misreading, the overall response is well-structured and fulfills the main requirements of Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with a helpful introduction, followed by a general overview paragraph, and then breaks down the details country by country. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related information. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'namely', 'Furthermore', and 'Looking at the details' are employed to guide the reader through the text, though occasional mechanical transitions are used. Referencing is generally clear, ensuring that the relationships between the countries and data points remain understandable throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Phrases like 'percentage of the population living in cities', 'fluctuated slightly', and 'increased steadily' show a good grasp of standard lexical items required for describing trends. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary such as 'dramatically' and 'sharply'. However, some word choices lack precision or contain factual mismatches, such as misstating the endpoint for Indonesia. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate and communication is not impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses ('namely the Philippines...'), temporal clauses ('over the period from...'), and participial phrases effectively. Grammatical control is fairly good, with the majority of simple sentences remaining error-free. Complex structures are attempted with reasonable success, though there are minor inaccuracies in preposition usage and data referencing. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the text, and errors do not impede communication.

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