Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-28

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 shows the percentage of people living in cities in four Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the proportion of people living in urban areas increased in all four countries and is expected to continue rising in the future. Malaysia had the highest percentage for most of the period, while Thailand generally had the lowest figure. Indonesia is predicted to experience particularly strong growth.

In 1970, around 30% of the population in the Philippines lived in cities. This figure rose to approximately 45% in 1990 and then reached about 47% in 2020. It is forecast to increase to around 55% by 2030 and almost 60% in 2040. Malaysia followed a stronger upward trend, rising from about 30% in 1970 to roughly 75% in 2020. It is predicted to reach around 80% in 2030 and 85% in 2040.

Thailand had the lowest urban population for much of the period. Its figure increased from about 20% in 1970 to approximately 50% in 2020. It is expected to rise to around 55% in 2030 and 60% in 2040. Indonesia also experienced a significant increase, from about 15% in 1970 to nearly 55% in 2020. This figure is predicted to reach approximately 65% in 2030 and 70% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear overview of the main trends and making relevant comparisons between the four countries. The response accurately notes that Malaysia had the highest percentage for most of the period while Thailand generally had the lowest, and highlights the significant growth in Indonesia. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in data reporting when compared to the source chart; for instance, the student states that Thailand's urban population increased to 'approximately 50% in 2020' whereas the actual figure for Thailand in 2020 was around 33.5%, confusing it with Indonesia's data (which was near 52%). Despite this slip, the selection and reporting of main features are generally well-managed, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression throughout. It begins with a helpful introductory paragraph, followed by a well-formulated overview paragraph, and then breaks down the specific data into logical body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1970', 'This figure rose', and 'Malaysia followed a stronger upward trend' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate general trends from detailed descriptions. Referencing is generally clear, though as noted in Task Achievement, the slight confusion in data attribution in the final paragraph slightly disrupts the smooth flow of comparisons. Overall, the organizational structure is solid and well-suited to Band 7 standards.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task, using terms such as 'proportion', 'urban areas', 'upward trend', and 'forecast'. There is an attempt to use less common phrasings like 'experience particularly strong growth' and 'reach approximately'. Word choice is generally precise, although there are a few minor inaccuracies in data interpretation that affect precision. Spelling is accurate throughout, and errors in word choice do not impede communication. The lexical resource displayed easily aligns with Band 6.5 to 7.0, and is best placed at Band 7 given the natural integration of reporting verbs and nouns.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer employs a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses, past simple tenses for historical data, and modal/future forms for predictions ('is expected to continue rising', 'is forecast to increase'). Grammatical control is generally strong with frequent error-free sentences, such as 'Malaysia had the highest percentage for most of the period, while Thailand generally had the lowest figure.' Punctuation and sentence structures are handled well, and while there are minor data discrepancies, the grammar itself is remarkably clean and accurate. This demonstrates the control characteristic of a solid Band 7.

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