Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The line graph shows the demographic proportion in four Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia) living in cities between 1970 and 2020, as well as the predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the figure for Malaysia and Thailand increased throughout the years, and for Philippines ,despite the fluctuations it showed an overall growth. Although the proportion for Indonesia was the lowest in the beginning, finally it surpassed Philippines and Thailand.

The figure for for Malaysia stood at 30% in1970, and increased to around 45% in 1990. Then it grew sharply to around 80% in 2020 and the number is predicted to grow to 80% and over 80% in 2030 and 2040 respectively. The proportion for Indonesia was approximately 12% in 1970, and grew steadily to around 27% before rising sharply to above 50% in 2020 and this number is predicted to increase by 10% in 2030 and 2040.

The number for Thailand was just under 20% in 1970, and rose to 30% in 2020. This number is estimated to grow sharply above 35% in 2030 and 2040. In contrast, the number for Thailand was just above 30% in the beginning and experienced some fluctuations from 1980 to 2010. Then the number grew to around 45% in 2020 and this number is estimated to grow steadily in 2030 and 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing an overview of the main trends and selecting key data points to illustrate the changes in urban population percentages across the four countries. An overview is presented in the second paragraph, highlighting general growth and notable shifts such as Indonesia surpassing the Philippines and Thailand. However, there are some minor data inaccuracies and confusion in the final paragraph, where the writer accidentally repeats 'Thailand' instead of discussing the Philippines, leading to some confusion in data reporting. Despite this mix-up, the key features and comparisons are generally well reported, satisfying the core requirements of Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is arranged coherently with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and subsequent body paragraphs dedicated to specific country data. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the data points, such as 'Overall', 'Then', and 'In contrast'. Paragraphing is logical, grouping Malaysia and Indonesia together, and attempting to contrast Thailand and the Philippines in the final section. However, referencing and cohesion become slightly faulty in the final paragraph due to a mix-up in country names ('In contrast, the number for Thailand was just above 30%...'), which disrupts the smooth progression of ideas. Overall progression is clear, though logical relationships could be managed with greater precision.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing graphical data, utilizing terms such as 'demographic proportion', 'fluctuations', 'overall growth', 'surpassed', and 'grew steadily'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'demographic proportion' and 'predictions', though some word choices are slightly repetitive or inaccurate (e.g., 'the figure for Malaysia stood at 30% in1970' missing a space, and repeating 'the number' frequently). Spelling is generally accurate, but vocabulary range and precision remain at a competent level without achieving the flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating clauses of time and condition such as 'although the proportion for Indonesia was the lowest in the beginning, finally it surpassed Philippines and Thailand.' There are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues throughout the text, including missing articles ('the figure for Malaysia'), incorrect prepositions ('in1970'), and comma splices or awkward phrasing ('growth. Although...'). While these errors do not severely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the response from achieving a Band 7.0 for grammar.

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