Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-01

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 line graph compares the percentage of people from total population living in four cities of Asian countries, namely Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, with future perdictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population of Malaysia shows substantial increase so far, with the prediction of highest population in future. Whereas, the percentages for Philippines population can be seen fluctuating, with a very low prediction. The population of indonesia also increased significantly.

The percenatge of total population living in Malaysia was 30 percent in 1970, which rose sharply to 75 percent in 2020. It is perdicted to be more then 80 percent in future. On the other hand, the percentages for philippines fluctuated with time, started from 31 percent in 1970, reached to 50 percent in 1990. Then decreased to 45 percent in 2020. Future perdictions are roughly 56 percent.

Indonesian population shows a graduall increase. Started from 12 percent in 1970 and rose to 52 percent in 2020. It is perdicted to to more then 60 percent in 2040. Thailand shows a steady trend , with 19 percent population in 1970, increased to 30 percent in 2020. It is perdicted to be 50 percent in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by selecting and reporting the main features of the line graph, including overall trends and specific data points. An overview is present, highlighting the general upward trajectory of Malaysia and Indonesia alongside the fluctuations in the Philippines. However, some parts are more fully developed than others; for instance, the description of Malaysia's data is slightly more detailed than that of Thailand, and there are minor inaccuracies in reporting specific figures, such as stating the starting percentage for the Philippines as 31 instead of 32, and Indonesia as 12 instead of 14. Despite these minor discrepancies, the data is used adequately to support a relevant overview of the trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical structure. It begins with an introductory paragraph, follows with a concise overview paragraph, and then separates the body details into logical groupings. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different countries and timeframes. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical or faulty, as seen in the slightly repetitive transitions and referencing that occasionally lacks smooth connectivity, such as beginning sentences abruptly with 'The percenatge' or 'Indonesian population shows'. Cohesive devices are functional but not always used with complete flexibility.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The lexical resource is adequate for the task, demonstrating an attempt to use less common vocabulary alongside standard reporting terms, such as 'substantial increase', 'fluctuating', 'sharply', and 'graduall increase'. However, there are several spelling errors, including 'perdictions' and 'percenatge', as well as minor word-choice and form inaccuracies like 'graduall'. Despite these errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main ideas clearly, and the spelling mistakes do not impede overall comprehension.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over tense usage for past data ('was 30 percent in 1970') and future projections ('It is perdicted to be'). There are, nevertheless, several grammar and punctuation errors present, such as capitalization issues ('indonesia'), missing articles ('from total population', 'in future'), and structural awkwardness like 'It is perdicted to to more then'. These errors occur across the text but rarely impede communication, reflecting a typical mixed control of simple and complex structures.

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