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 Asian 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 prediction of 48% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main trends and making relevant comparisons across the four countries. An overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trend and identifying Malaysia and Thailand as the extremes in terms of growth. Data points are accurately cited, such as Malaysia starting at about 30% and reaching 76% by 2020, and Indonesia rising from 14% to 52%. However, there are minor inaccuracies in some predicted or historical figures (e.g., stating the Philippines is predicted to reach 60% by 2040 when the data shows around 55.5%), but these do not detract from the overall accurate summary of the visual data. The response meets the requirements for a Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression throughout. It starts with an introductory sentence, followed by a concise overview paragraph, and then body paragraphs detailing the data for the respective countries. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group information logically. Cohesive devices are employed with varying degrees of success; phrases like 'Overall', 'After 1990', and 'Additionally' help guide the reader through the data, though some transitions could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, though the dense pack of figures in the body paragraphs occasionally makes the logical flow slightly mechanical. Overall, it easily satisfies the requirements for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to a Task 1 response, utilizing terms such as 'urban population', 'urbanized', 'surging', 'fluctuations', and 'anticipated'. Less common lexical items are attempted with general success, although there are a few minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, such as 'accounted for only 14%' when referring to a percentage of population rather than a share of a whole. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and the vocabulary allows the message to be conveyed clearly, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and time-dependent adverbials (e.g., 'In 1970, about 30% of Malaysia’s total population lived in cities and that number steadily rose...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and control of grammar is generally sound. Minor errors do occur, such as the missing preposition or article in 'accounting for only 19%' and occasional awkward phrasing, but these errors do not impede communication. The control demonstrated places this comfortably at a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

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