Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26

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 the percentage of population living in urban areas in four distinct Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, and also the projections for the years 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is evident from the data that Malaysian cities are expected to recorded a sharp rise, followed by Indonasia, while the Philippines figures fluctuated, yet remained to be the third highest. In contrast, Thailand remained to be the least at the end of the period.

In the year 1970, about one tenth of the total population of Indonasia lived in cities. By the end of 2040, it is predicted to reach 60%. Initially only 30% of the residents lived in the cities of Malaysia, the numbers increased drastically and likely to reach 80% by 2040.

Moving further, roughly 30% of the population stayed in the metropolitan areas of the Philippines, the graph showed fluctuations and is estimated to reach about 50% by the end of the period. Focusing on Thiland, approximately one fifth of the population lived in cities, which is expected to have only about 10% of increase in population in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response covers all parts of the task well. The student provides a clear overview identifying the main trends and makes relevant comparisons between the countries throughout the period. Key data points are selected and reported accurately, such as the starting and ending percentages for countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. The trends are generally well described, though the overview contains some slightly awkward phrasing ('Indonasia' spelling error and confusing comparison). However, the main features of urbanisation growth across the four countries are effectively communicated and supported by figures from the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text is logically organised into four paragraphs, following a standard introduction, overview, and body paragraph structure. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the data, such as 'Overall, it is evident', 'In the year 1970', and 'Moving further'. However, there are some mechanical or awkward transitions, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'while the Philippines figures fluctuated, yet remained to be the third highest' where the comparison becomes slightly tangled. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different countries and timeframes, contributing to an overall coherent structure.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student attempts a range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, including terms like 'urban areas', 'projections', 'fluctuated', and 'metropolitan areas'. However, there are several spelling errors ('Indonasia', 'Thiland') and word choice or collocation inaccuracies ('expected to recorded a sharp rise', 'least at the end of the period'). These lexical errors do not impede communication, but they reflect a Band 6 level where less common vocabulary is attempted with noticeable inaccuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures like 'The line graph illustrates...' and 'By the end of 2040, it is predicted to reach...'. There are several grammatical errors and awkward structures, such as 'remained to be the third highest', 'the numbers increased drastically and likely to reach' (missing auxiliary verb), and 'expected to have only about 10% of increase'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while errors are present, they rarely impede overall comprehension.

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

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