Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-04

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 line graph compares four Asian countries in terms of their increasing urban population between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is evident that all countries are depicting an increasing trend till 2020 and forecast to grow as well in two coming decades. Malaysia and Indonesia had a steep rise whereas, Philippines and Thailand saw some fluctuations.

In the provided data, Malaysia constituted 30% of the total population in 1970 and soared above 70 by 2020 it is predicted that it will saw its peak of more than 80% in 2040. Likewise, Indonesia also represented one of the highest shares after 2010 of around 43% and roughly 50% in 2020 however, it was nearly 10% in 1970. Furthermore, it will grow to 60% by the end of 2040.

In contrast, Philippines undergoes some fluctuations, it commenced at approximately 30% of the total population in 1970 and climbed to roughly 50% in 1990 before declining to just above 40%. After that, it experienced a slight rise above 40% and is believed to skyrocket in coming decades. Conversely, Thailand saw an increase from 20% to 30% in 1990 and levelled off till 2020 it will saw a rise in 2030 and 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by presenting a clear overview of the line graph and selecting key features and comparisons for the four Asian countries. The main trends—such as Malaysia's steep rise and the more moderate growth or fluctuations seen in the other nations—are clearly identified. The writer extends and supports these ideas with relevant data points, such as Malaysia's progression from 30% in 1970 to over 70% in 2020. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise or slightly misread certain data trends, such as stating that Indonesia will grow to 60% by the end of 2040 when the graph projects it reaching 64%, and minor inaccuracies regarding the Philippines' fluctuations. To reach a higher level, the data reporting needs to be slightly more precise and comprehensive regarding the projected figures.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped reasonably well, starting with a general overview in the introduction, followed by body paragraphs discussing specific country trends. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'Likewise', 'In contrast', and 'Conversely'. However, paragraphing and referencing are sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, as seen in the third paragraph which crams multiple countries together ('In the provided data, Malaysia... Likewise, Indonesia... Furthermore...'). To achieve a higher score, the student needs to use referencing more smoothly and ensure better paragraph segregation so that each country's trajectory is discussed with greater clarity and seamless logical flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, providing a sufficient range to allow some flexibility and precision through terms like 'urban population', 'steep rise', 'fluctuations', and 'skyrocket'. The student attempts less common lexical items with moderate success. However, there are several word choice, collocation, and word form errors that prevent a higher band, such as 'all countries are depicting an increasing trend' (instead of showing or exhibiting), 'it will saw its peak' (grammatical tense error combined with lexical misuse), and 'levelled off till 2020 it will saw a rise'. To move up, the writer must eliminate awkward collocations and ensure accurate verb forms and word choices when discussing statistical trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures such as subordinate clauses and predictive statements. However, control of grammar is inconsistent, holding the writing back. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tense and form combinations, such as 'it is predicted that it will saw its peak', 'it will saw a rise', and run-on sentences like 'Levelled off till 2020 it will saw a rise'. Punctuation and comma splices also detract from accuracy (e.g., 'Philippines undergoes some fluctuations, it commenced...'). To reach the next level, the student needs to produce a greater proportion of error-free complex sentences and ensure strict agreement and tense consistency, especially when shifting between past data and future projections.

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

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