Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-15

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 represents the population in percentage that lives in cities in four nations including Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020 and also predicts the population for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population living in cities increased throughout the period and continue to grow till 2040, people of Malaysia preferred more to live in cities whereas people of Thailand were the least to live in cities among all four countries.

In 1970, the number of people living in cities were almost same in Philippines and Malaysia that is 31% and 30% respectively. While the number of people living in cities increased to 40% the people in Philippines remained almost equivalent (32%). In 1990, cities population of Philippines surpassed the population of Malaysia, however it dropped back again to 40% in 2010. Whereas, the population in Malaysia drastically increased to about 70% in 2010. After then, the population in cities consistently grow in both countries till 2020. And it is estimated that cities population will reach up to 80% in Malaysia and more than 50% in Philippines.

Coming to cities population of other two countries, population living in cities in Thailand was just less than 20% whereas, it was about 14% in Indonesia. This population gradually increased and become almost equal in 2000 that is about 28%. The cities population of Indonesia surpassed Thailand and become 50% in 2020 whereas, it remained the almost same in Thailand (28%). The prediction data shows that in Indonesia and Thailand population living in cities will rise up to about 60% and 50% by the year 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the graph’s subject and provide a clear overview of the broad rise in urban populations, noting Malaysia’s high level and Thailand’s comparatively low position. You also make relevant comparisons, including Indonesia overtaking Thailand by 2020. This covers the main task, but some details are inaccurate or underdeveloped: the Philippines peaks at about 48% in 1990, not Malaysia being surpassed in a way that is clearly explained, and its fall is to around 42.5% in 2010 rather than 40%. Thailand rises gradually to about 33.5% by 2020, not remaining at 28%. The overview also overlooks Indonesia’s particularly strong growth and Malaysia’s leading position by the end. More precise comparisons across the full period would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs grouping the countries. This makes the information generally easy to follow, and phrases such as “Coming to cities population of other two countries” signal a shift in focus. However, progression within the paragraphs is sometimes weakened by unclear or mechanical linking. For example, “While the number … increased to 40% the people in Philippines remained almost equivalent” does not make the comparison clear, and repeated “Whereas” constructions create awkward joins. The final paragraph also moves between Thailand and Indonesia without consistently distinguishing their figures. Use clearer time-based comparisons and connect each figure explicitly to its country to make cohesion more controlled.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “predictions,” “surpassed,” “consistently,” and “gradually increased,” and the meaning is generally understandable. There are also attempts to vary expressions for urbanisation, such as “population living in cities” and “cities population.” However, several phrases are unnatural or imprecise, including “the population in percentage that lives in cities,” “preferred more to live in cities,” and “cities population.” “Drastically increased” overstates Malaysia’s steady rise, while “remained the almost same” is not idiomatic. Aim for accurate, conventional collocations such as “the proportion of the population living in urban areas” and “rose sharply/steadily,” choosing intensity to match the data. This would make the vocabulary more precise and natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “whereas” and “that,” and the overall meaning can usually be followed. Some grammatical errors remain, particularly with agreement, tense, articles, and sentence boundaries. For example, “the population … increased … and continue to grow” needs consistent tense, while “the number of people … were” has a singular subject. “In 1970, the number … were almost same” also needs an article before “almost the same.” Several clauses beginning “While” or “Whereas” are joined as fragments or punctuated awkwardly. Review subject–verb agreement and ensure each contrast clause is attached to a complete main clause. Greater accuracy in these patterns would improve control while retaining your sentence variety.

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