Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-23

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 shows percentage of population in four Asian nations (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) from 1970 to 2020. Graph also provides future prediction for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, all nations population is expected to increase. Malaysia shows most substantial and consistent growth and expected to account highest proportion of residents. In contrast, Philippines is the only nation to experience decline during the period.

In 1970, both Philippines and Malaysia accounted for 30% of the population. The figure for Philippines increased to 48% in 1990 before falling gradually to around 43% in 2010. It then rose again reaching approximately 45% in 2020 and is predicted to reach above 50% by 2040. Malaysia on the other hand rose dramatically to about 76% population in 2020. It is predicted to increase to around 83% by 2040.

On the other hand, Thailand had about 18% population initially in 1970. The figure rose steadily to approximately 30% in 1990 and showed moderate changes till 2020 with 33% ratio. It is expected to rise to about 50% in 2040. Indonesia began with the lowest figure at 13% in 1970 but experienced a significant increase. It accounted for almost 55% population in 2020 and is expected to rise to approximately 65% by 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 time frame. An overview is provided, noting the general upward trend, Malaysia's substantial growth, and the Philippines' fluctuation. Main features and key comparisons are highlighted effectively, such as Indonesia starting with the lowest figure and Malaysia becoming the highest. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies in the data points reported, such as stating 'Philippines and Malaysia accounted for 30% of the population' in 1970 (Malaysia was actually 30%, but the Philippines was 32%) and misstating Indonesia's 2020 figure as 'almost 55%' when it was around 52%. Despite these minor data discrepancies, the overall response provides a well-selected summary of the graph's main features and trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear overarching progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph, followed by an overall summary, and then divides the detailed body paragraphs logically by country groupings. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different trends. Cohesive devices are employed adequately to signal transitions between sentences and ideas, such as 'In contrast', 'In 1970', 'before falling gradually', and 'On the other hand'. While referencing and cohesion are generally clear, some transitions feel slightly formulaic, but overall the arrangement maintains good readability and logical flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, employing words and phrases such as 'substantial and consistent growth', 'proportion of residents', 'declining', 'rose dramatically', and 'moderate changes'. There are occasional slight inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing, such as 'all nations population' instead of 'the populations of all nations' and 'ratio' instead of 'percentage'. However, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the trends clearly, and less common lexical items are attempted with reasonable success and do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including time clauses and comparative structures (e.g., 'The figure for Philippines increased to 48% in 1990 before falling gradually to around 43% in 2010'). There are some minor grammatical errors, primarily missing articles (e.g., 'shows percentage', 'for Philippines', 'accounted for highest proportion') and occasional punctuation slips. However, these errors are non-systematic and do not impede the overall communication. A sufficient variety of complex structures is successfully attempted, demonstrating fair control of grammar.

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