Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-24

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 6.5)

The line graph illustrates data on the proportion of the population in four different Asian countries living in cities between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the proportion of people living in cities increased in all four countries, although the Philippines experienced some fluctuations.

In 1970, the percentage of the population living in Malaysia was 30%. The figure rose gradually from 30% in 1970 to 78% in 2020, and it was expected to increase to 85% in 2040. Similarly, Indonesia had 12% of the population living in cities in 1970, which climbed slowly to 50% in 2020, and it was forecast to reach 61% in 2040.

Meanwhile, 31% of the population lived in the Philippines in 1970, which increased to 49% in 1990 and dropped to 41% in 2010, and it was anticipated to rise 54% in 2040. In addition, Thailand had the lowest proportion in 1970, at 19%, but this figure was predicted to rise considerably to 49% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, selecting and reporting key features from the graph while making relevant comparisons. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trend across all four countries and noting the fluctuations in the Philippines. Main trends are supported by accurate data points, such as Malaysia's rise to 78% in 2020 and Thailand starting at 19% in 1970. Although a few isolated figures contain minor discrepancies compared to the exact transcription (for example, Malaysia's 2020 value is slightly overstated at 78% instead of 76%), these do not detract from the overall clarity and accuracy of the report. The response is well-structured and fulfills the requirements for Task Achievement at a Band 7.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response exhibits clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly, with the introduction followed by an overview paragraph, and subsequent body paragraphs dedicated to contrasting country trajectories. Cohesive devices are used adequately and appropriately, such as 'Meanwhile', 'In addition', and 'Similarly', which help guide the reader smoothly through the comparisons. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate distinct ideas and groupings of countries. While referencing and substitution are generally clear, slightly more sophisticated linking could elevate the cohesion further. Overall, the structural flow meets the criteria for a solid Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'proportion', 'fluctuations', 'forecast', and 'anticipated'. There are successful attempts to incorporate less common reporting language, although some word choices and figures could be more precise. Minor inaccuracies appear, such as phrasing like 'rose gradually from 30% in 1970 to 78% in 2020', but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate throughout the response. The lexical range is appropriate for a Band 6.5 descriptor, showing adequate flexibility for describing visual data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and subordinate structures successfully (e.g., 'which increased to 49% in 1990 and dropped to 41% in 2010'). There is a good variety of tense usage to describe past data alongside future predictions ('was expected to increase', 'was predicted to rise'). While occasional minor grammatical imperfections exist—such as prepositions or verb phrasing—frequent error-free sentences are present, and meaning is never obscured. This level of grammatical control and variety comfortably earns a Band 7.0.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.