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 multi-line graph tracks the percentage of urban population in four Asain countries- Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia- from 1970 to 2020 and forecasts the percentage till 2040.

Overall, an upward trend is observed in urban population of all four countries. The greatest rise is seen in Malaysia, while Thailand shows the slowest growth..

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 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 features, trends, and making relevant comparisons across the four countries over the given period. An appropriate overview is provided at the outset, noting the general upward trend and highlighting Malaysia as the fastest-growing and Thailand as the slowest-growing. Key data points are cited effectively, such as Malaysia starting at around 30% and reaching 76% by 2020. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies in specific data reporting, such as stating the Philippines is predicted to reach 60% by 2040 (whereas the graph shows roughly 55.5%), and minor misreadings of starting figures like Thailand in 1970 (stated as 19%, graph shows 18%). Despite these slight numerical discrepancies, the core trends and comparisons are well-developed, earning a solid Band 7.0 under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information about the individual countries is grouped reasonably into well-defined paragraphs, beginning with an introduction and clear overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing individual country trajectories. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'After 1990', 'Additionally', and 'Ultimately' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, maintaining a clear overall structure. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional shifts between countries within paragraphs could be slightly smoother. The progression from past data to future predictions is handled logically, satisfying the descriptors for Band 7.0 in Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary items and functional phrases are attempted, such as 'urbanized country', 'surpassed', 'surged', and 'anticipated'. There are, however, a few spelling slips and minor lexical inaccuracies, such as the spelling typo 'Asain' instead of 'Asian' and 'perdiction' instead of 'prediction'. Word choice is generally appropriate for describing graph trends ('steadily rose', 'peaking', 'remained stable'), but occasional awkward collocations occur, such as 'third largest' when referring to percentage rather than size. These minor errors do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, warranting a 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses, passive constructions, and time-dependent adverbials (e.g., 'The multi-line graph tracks...', 'After peaking at 48% in 1990, it fell...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, though a few grammatical and punctuation errors persist. For instance, there are instances of double hyphens and missing articles or prepositions in sentences like 'accounted for only 14%' without a preceding noun phrase, and punctuation slips around parenthetical elements. Nevertheless, complex structures are attempted with reasonable success, and errors rarely impede communication, aligning well with the Band 6.5 descriptors.

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