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 graph provides information about the percentage of population in for Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia) living in cities from 1970 to 2020, as well as predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, cities of all countries are showing population growth over the periods though having fluctuations. However, Malaysia accounts for the highest and Thailand accounts for the lowest population growth in their cities.

Between 1970 to 2020, Malaysia had 30% population initially in its cities which were the second highest position among all countries and it increased significantly which rose to around 72% in 2020 ranking the highest position. Indonesia also increased dramatically in this period which accounts from around 13%, the lowest rank to approximately 50%, the second highest rank. Philippines and Thailand also grew but steadily comparing with other two countries. In this period, Philippines rose from around 31%, the highest rank to around 51% after showing a major fluctuation in 1990 which accounts for around 48%. However, Thailand showed around 18% in 1970 and it increased steadily to around 28% in 2020 which accounts for the lowest rank.

Predictions for 2030 and 2040 are made based on the previous growth history of the four countries. In 2040, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and Thailand account for approximately 82%, 60%, 52%, and 48% respectively of total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features and trends of the four countries from 1970 to 2040. An overview is provided, noting general population growth and highlighting Malaysia and Thailand as extremes. However, there are some minor data inaccuracies in the body paragraphs; for example, the student states that the Philippines started at around 31% and rose to 51%, while the transcription shows 32% in 1970 and 55.5% in 2040. Despite these minor discrepancies in exact figures, the overall trends and comparisons are clearly articulated and supported with relevant data points, fulfilling the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, body paragraphs, and concluding predictions. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group information by time periods and trends. Cohesive devices are employed, such as "Overall," "Between 1970 to 2020," and "However," though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Referencing is mostly clear, though the flow between sentences in the third paragraph is occasionally cluttered by dense clusters of numerical data. Overall progression is maintained throughout, satisfying the criteria for Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully using terms such as "predictions," "fluctuations," "significantly," and "dramatically." However, there are several lexical errors and awkward collocations, such as "percentage of population in for Asian countries" (typo for 'four'), "cities of all countries are showing population growth," and "steady comparing with other two countries." Less common lexical items are attempted but occasionally lack precision, placing this response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and comparative forms. While many sentences are understandable, there are frequent grammatical errors in preposition use, verb tense consistency, and clause structures, such as "Malaysia had 30% population initially in its cities which were the second highest position" and "which accounts from around 13%." Punctuation is generally acceptable, but grammatical inaccuracies cause minor strain for the reader, aligning with Band 6.0 descriptors.

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