Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-09

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 change in percentage of total population living in different cities in Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, and predicts the percentage of total population for future years 2030 and 2040. Overall, the population of four cities is increased over the period. Malaysia had the highest percentage of total population, while Thailand had the lowest percentage of total population.

Looking first at, Indonesia and Thailand, both the cities had lower percentage of total population in the initial year, which was nearly 15% and 19% respectively. From 1970 to 2000, percentage incresed constantly. In year 2000, both the cities had same percentage of total population, which is approximately 30% of total population. Further the population of Indonesia rose significantly, while population of Thailand increased steadly. In 2030 and 2040, percentage of total population will be 60% and 50% respectively.

Looking at, Philippines and Malaysia cities, both the cities had equal percentage of total population nearly 30%. The percentage of total population of Malaysia city drastically increased over the years and in 2040 it will share 80% of total population. In contrast, Philipines city had more variation in the percentage of total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the overall upward movement and correctly note that Malaysia finishes highest and Thailand lowest. Several comparisons are also relevant: Indonesia and Thailand begin at about 14% and 18%, and reach roughly the same level around 2000. However, the overview is imprecise when it says “the population of four cities” increased; the graph shows the share of each country’s population living in cities, and the Philippines does not rise steadily. Some key features are under-reported: Malaysia’s strong rise to about 84%, Indonesia’s rapid growth to around 64%, and the Philippines’ rise, dip and recovery. The final figures for 2030 and 2040 are also presented without clearly identifying which country they refer to. Select and compare these trends more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction and overview are followed by two paragraphs grouping the countries, which gives the information a coherent arrangement. Phrases such as “Looking first” and “In contrast” help signal shifts and comparisons. This already provides a sound progression, but some linking is mechanical or unclear. For example, “Further the population of Indonesia rose significantly” does not specify the comparison clearly, and “In 2030 and 2040, percentage…” leaves the country being discussed implicit. The repeated phrase “percentage of total population” also makes the paragraphs less smooth. Use clearer references such as “Indonesia’s share” and connect each forecast directly to its country.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for describing trends, including “increased,” “rose significantly,” “drastically increased” and “variation,” so the main ideas are generally understandable. However, some word choices and collocations are imprecise or repetitive. “Population of four cities” and “Malaysia city” incorrectly describe the data, which concerns national populations living in urban areas. “Share 80% of total population” is also an awkward way to report a proportion, and “steadly” and “Philipines” contain spelling errors. Aim for precise terms such as “urban population,” “proportion” and “account for,” and vary repeated references to “percentage of total population.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more developed sentence forms, including comparisons with “while” and “in contrast,” and the reader can generally follow the trends. Some grammatical errors remain, particularly with articles, agreement and tense. For example, “the population of four cities is increased” uses an incorrect verb form and subject; “both the cities had lower percentage” needs more accurate article and plural marking; and “which is approximately 30%” shifts tense within a past-time description. The opening phrase “Looking first at, Indonesia and Thailand” also has faulty punctuation and sentence construction. Use past simple for historical data, reserve future forms for forecasts, and check articles and agreement in each sentence.

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