Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-03

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 line graph compares the percentage of the population living in four Asian countries, such as Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia between 1970 and 2020, with forecasting till 2040.

Overall, the all four Asian countries population increased gradually over the period. Malaysian had the highest population level across all nations, while a few people lived in Thailand.

In 1970, Philippines and Malaysia had the similar figure in the total population, at nearly 30%, followed by approximately 18% by Thailand, and just 14% by Indonesia. Within the next two decade, number increased for all countries. Philippines and Malaysia nearly stood under 50%, whereas Thailand represented below 30% and roughly 24% by Indonesia.

By 2020, Malaysia gradually rose and reached above 70%, whereas Thailand slightly increased to 30%. Indonesia was the second most populated countries, at 50%, and Philippines stood at approximately 45%. In 2040, the number will substantially increasing. Malaysia will remain popular, at over 80%, while 50% by Thailand. Indonesia and Philippines will represent between 50% and 60%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by selecting and reporting the main features of urbanisation across the four countries, and it makes relevant comparisons over the given timeframe. However, some parts are developed more fully than others, and there are occasional inaccuracies in how data points are interpreted. For instance, the student refers to the countries as having a high or low 'population' rather than the percentage of the population living in cities, which slightly misrepresents the data. Furthermore, some trends are stated generally without sufficient extension or precise detail, such as the overview grouping all four nations together uniformly despite divergent trajectories. To reach a higher level, the student needs to ensure data is described with absolute accuracy regarding the specific metric shown and extend the analysis of key trends more consistently.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt at a logical structure, featuring a general overview paragraph and chronological body paragraphs. Progression is generally apparent, moving from 1970 data to subsequent decades and predictions. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical or faulty, and referencing is not always clear. For example, transitional phrases feel abrupt, and pronouns or substitution devices are occasionally under-utilised, leading to choppy sentences like 'Malaysian had the highest population level across all nations, while a few people lived in Thailand.' Paragraphing is used, but internal cohesion within paragraphs requires tighter logical links. To move to the next level, the student should employ a wider and more flexible range of cohesive devices and ensure smoother transitions between ideas and time periods.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting some less common items related to trends such as 'forecasting', 'substantially increasing', and 'gradually rose'. However, there are notable inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and word form that reflect a limited and developing lexical control. Examples include 'the all four Asian countries population' instead of total urban population percentage, 'Malaysian' instead of Malaysia, 'a few people' instead of a small percentage, and the grammatical error in verb form 'the number will substantially increasing'. These lexical errors do not impede communication, but they restrict the response to a moderate band. To improve, the student should focus on precise lexical choices for data reporting, correct word forms, and natural collocations without awkward phrasings.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures like time clauses and comparative statements. There is an active attempt to handle future predictions and past data. However, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, including missing articles, incorrect prepositions, and faulty verb formations, such as 'within the next two decade, number increased' and 'Malaysia will remain popular, at over 80%, while 50% by Thailand.' While these errors rarely completely impede communication, they persist throughout the text and prevent the sentence structures from achieving consistent accuracy. To achieve a higher score, the student needs to exercise tighter control over basic grammatical agreements, singular and plural noun forms, prepositional phrases, and the correct formation of verb tenses.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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