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 given multi-line graph tracks the percentage of the population living in a city of four asain countries- Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia- from 1970 to 2020 and forecasts the percentage till 2040.

Overall, a rise is seen in the percentage of population living in cities in all four countries. The greatest rise is seen in Malaysia and the least is seen in Thailand.

In 1970, about 30% of Malaysia’s total population lived in cities and that number steadily rose to 45% by 1990 . After 1990, it retained its position as the most urbanized country by surpassing the Philippines, the figure surged and reached 76% by 2020. The percentage is expected to reach 83% by 2040. A similar trend can be seen with Indonesia; it was the least urbanized country in 1970 and accounted for only 14%. It gradually rose till 2020, reaching 50%. It became the second most urbanized country by replacing both Philippines and Thailand by 2010. Additionally, the percentage is anticipated to reach 60% by 2040.

The Philippines, the most urbanized country in 1970 at 32%, showed slight fluctuations. After reaching a peak at 48% in 1990, fell to 40% by 2010. A steady rise was seen until 2020. By 2040, the predicted numbers are at 60%. Ultimately, Thailand which was the third largest in 1970 and accounted for 19%. It rose steadily until 1990 and stabalised at 32% until 2020 with a perdiction of 48% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main trends and making relevant comparisons across the four countries. An overview is provided right at the beginning, noting the general upward trend and highlighting Malaysia and Thailand at the extremes. Key data points, such as Malaysia starting at about 30% and reaching 76% by 2020, are accurately cited from the visual data. Minor discrepancies in specific data interpretation (such as Indonesia's 2020 figure or the Philippines' 2040 projection) are well within the tolerance for a Task 1 response, and the overall selection and reporting of features demonstrate a clear understanding of the graph.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response exhibits clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is divided into logical paragraphs: an introduction with an overview, followed by distinct groupings of country data. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'After 1990', 'Additionally', and 'Ultimately'. Paragraphing is sufficient and appropriate, separating the introduction/overview from the detailed body paragraphs. However, a few transitions feel slightly mechanical or abrupt, preventing it from reaching a higher band. Referencing is generally clear, though minor improvements in linking sentence structures could enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, utilizing terms such as 'urbanized', 'surging', 'fluctuations', 'anticipated', and 'stabalised' (noting a minor spelling error). Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'retained its position' and 'gradually rose'. There are a few spelling and word-choice errors, including 'asain' (Asian) and 'stabalised' (stabilized), as well as a slight misuse of 'stabalised at 32% until 2020'. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the intended meaning effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response incorporates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and subordinate structures like 'The given multi-line graph tracks...' and 'After reaching a peak at 48% in 1990, fell to 40% by 2010.' There are some noticeable grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as missing subjects ('fell to 40%' lacks a clear subject reference) and punctuation slips. However, the majority of sentences are constructed well enough that communication is rarely impeded. Complex structures are attempted with varying degrees of success, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 6.0.

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