Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29

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 shows the population living in cities in four Asian countries between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population grew in the four countries over the period, but Malaysia experienced a significant increase in numbers and would be a more urbanised country by 2040. Meanwhile, the Philippines experienced some fluctuation, then rose slowly. Thailand had the least growth over time.

Malaysia and the Philippines both accounted for 30% of the population in 1970, and Malaysia then rose immensely and had 75% of the population in 2020 and is projected to have 85% of the population by 2040. Philippines urban population was 50% in 1990, then it fluctuated in 2010 by 10%, then grew slightly and is predicted to be 55% by 2040.

However, Thailand and Indonesia had 19% and 12% of the population in 1970, respectively, and increased slowly over time despite some minor declines; by 2020, Thailand had 30% while Indonesia had 55%. It is predicted for indonesia to have 60% urban growth by 2040, and Thailand will have 50%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student attempts to cover all parts of the task by reporting the general trends and selecting specific data points for the four countries. However, there are several data inaccuracies and unsupported claims. For example, the student states that Malaysia and the Philippines both accounted for 30% in 1970 (Malaysia was actually 30%, but the Philippines was 32%), and claims the Philippines' urban population was 50% in 1990 (it was around 48%). Furthermore, stating that Indonesia had 55% in 2020 and Thailand 30% misreads the chart, as Indonesia was around 52% and Thailand about 33.5%. Despite these inaccuracies, an overview is provided, and main features are highlighted, warranting a Band 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is divided into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introduction, followed by an overview, and then two body paragraphs grouping the countries. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'Meanwhile', and 'However', which help structure the text. However, referencing is sometimes unclear, and the logical progression within paragraphs is occasionally disrupted by confusing data groupings and abrupt shifts between countries. Paragraphing is adequate, but overall cohesion is somewhat mechanical, placing this response solidly in the Band 6 range.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully using terms like 'urbanised', 'fluctuation', 'projected', and 'decline'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'experienced a significant increase in numbers' (referring to percentages rather than people) and 'Indonesia to have 60% urban growth' (confusing the percentage of urban population with growth rate). Spelling is generally accurate, but the lexical limitations and inaccuracies prevent the score from reaching a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and future predictions ('is projected to have', 'It is predicted for indonesia to have'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'Philippines urban population was...' (missing article) and capitalization issues ('indonesia'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while errors occur, they rarely impede overall communication. The control of grammar corresponds to a Band 6.

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