Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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

Overall, an upward trend is observed in the percentage of the 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 climbed to 76% by 2020. This 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 the 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 minor variations. After peaking at 48% in 1990, it fell to 40% by 2010. A steady rise was seen until 2020. By 2040, the predicted numbers are 60%. Ultimately, Thailand, which was the third largest in 1970 accounted for 19%. It rose steadily until 1990 and remained stable at 32% until 2020 with a prediction 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 features, trends, and key comparisons across the four countries. An overview is provided right at the beginning, noting the general upward trend and the extremes in growth ('The greatest rise is seen in Malaysia and the least is seen in Thailand'). Key data points are cited to support the descriptions, such as Malaysia's rise to 76% by 2020 and Indonesia starting at 14%. However, there are a few minor data inaccuracies when compared against the visual data, particularly regarding the Philippines and Thailand towards the end of the period (e.g., stating the Philippines is predicted to reach 60% by 2040 when the graph indicates around 55.5%, and slight misreadings of the initial and final values for Thailand). Despite these minor discrepancies, the overall response effectively selects and reports the primary trends, fully meeting the requirements for this band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an introductory paragraph framing the graph, followed by a succinct overview paragraph, and then well-defined body paragraphs detailing the specific country trends. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different groups of data (Malaysia and Indonesia in paragraph three, and the Philippines and Thailand in paragraph four). Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well to link ideas, such as 'After 1990', 'A similar trend can be seen with', and 'Ultimately'. However, referencing and transitions within paragraphs can occasionally feel slightly mechanical, and the grouping of countries could be slightly tighter to enhance the flow of comparisons. Overall, the logical structure and clear progression ensure the text is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to a visual task, employing appropriate terms such as 'urbanized country', 'trend', 'surged', 'forecasts', and 'peak'. Less common lexical items are attempted with general success, as seen in expressions like 'retained its position as the most urbanized country' and 'minor variations'. There are occasional slight inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing, such as 'living in a city' (better as 'living in cities') and minor statistical misreadings that affect precision. However, spelling is accurate throughout, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the intended meaning flexibly and clearly without impeding the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student displays a commendable mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses, participial phrases, and conditional-style future predictions effectively (e.g., 'The given multi-line graph tracks...', 'After peaking at 48% in 1990, it fell to 40% by 2010', and 'This percentage is expected to reach 83% by 2040'). There are several error-free sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Minor grammatical slips do occur, such as preposition usage ('accounted for only 14%' without a preceding noun phrase) and awkward phrasing in 'living in a city of four Asian countries'. Nevertheless, these errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication, supporting a solid band 7 performance.

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