Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-07

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 illustrates the proportion of the population living in four Asian countries (Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia) in cities in year 1970 and 2020, with future prictiction of population in the year 2030 and 2040.

Overall, Asian countries who is living in cities in which, Malaysia's population is seen to be the highest growing population in this given period, and Indonesia stand second. Compared to Philipines, it is only country where the percentage of the population is on the decreasing side, Thailand population stays mostly stable in the given period with growing prediction for the future.

On the one hand, Malaysia population is increased significantly throughout the period, with 30% in 1970 slightly dropped in 1990 after reached a peak with 70% in 2020, for future prediction it will grow up to 80% in the year 2040. Furthermore, Indonesia stand second with growing population with 14% in 1970, becomes double 25% in 2020 and in the future it could be reaching to 55% in 2030 and 60% in 2040.

On the other hand, population of Philipines living in cities is seen to be on the decreasing side as it starts at huge at above 30% in 1970 to reached a peak of 50% in 1990, then decreasing marginally after that with 40% in 2010 and in the future it is predicted that it would stay stable between 45% to 50% in year 2040. Whereas Thailand popoulation of living in cities in increasing marginally with 19% in 1970 to 25% in 1990, then get stable to 27% in year 2020, iit is predicted to be crossing 40% in year 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main broad patterns: Malaysia rises strongly, Indonesia grows rapidly, and the Philippines fluctuates before a projected recovery. The overview also attempts to compare the countries, so the response addresses the task. However, several details are inaccurate or unclear: Malaysia does not drop in 1990, and its 2020 figure is about 76%, not 70%; Indonesia is about 25% in 1990, not 2020, and reaches roughly 52% in 2020. The Philippines does not simply decline, since it rises again after 2010. Thailand’s figures are also understated, particularly its projected level of about 50% in 2040. More precise reporting and a clearer overview of the relative rankings would make the key features better supported.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the countries for comparison. Phrases such as “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” help signal the shift between groups, and the reader can generally follow the intended progression. This already provides a coherent overall arrangement. However, some links are mechanical or do not express the relationship accurately: “Furthermore” introduces Indonesia without a clear contrast or addition, while “Whereas” is attached to a long sentence and makes the comparison harder to follow. The overview also combines several claims in one sentence. Use clearer topic sentences and separate trends from forecasts to make progression more controlled.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary, including “proportion,” “significantly,” “peak,” “marginally,” and “predicted,” which helps describe trends and forecasts. There is some variety in how you refer to movement, but word choice and collocation are often imprecise or repetitive. For example, “population is increased” and “growing population” do not clearly describe the percentage living in cities; “population” is also repeated where “urban share” or “proportion” would be more accurate. Spelling errors such as “prictiction,” “Philipines,” and “popoulation” are noticeable. Aim for precise trend language and check spelling, especially for country names and key task vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mix of simple and more complex sentences, including clauses with “with,” “after,” and “whereas,” and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. However, control is uneven, particularly in longer sentences. Examples include “Malaysia population is increased,” “Indonesia stand second,” and “it starts at huge at above 30%,” where verb forms, agreement, or sentence construction are faulty. The opening sentence also has an awkward structure, and several clauses run together without clear punctuation. These errors sometimes make the data relationships difficult to interpret. Practise accurate past-tense reporting and subject–verb agreement, and use shorter sentences when describing several stages of a trend.

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