Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-20

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)

A glance at the graph illustrates the percentage of the population in four asian countries residing in cities between 1970 and 2020, with estimated figures for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, Malaysia rose from second place to become the leader in 2020 and is projected to maintain this position, while Indonesia climbed from last to second place. The other two countries experienced fluctuations throughout the period.

Starting with Malaysia, in 1970 30% of total population were living in cities which increased gradually to more than 70% in 2020 and estimated figure increases too and reaches at approximately 80% in 2040. Furthermore, Philippines starting from more than 30% of population in cities increased till 1990 and then decreased till 2010. Over the following decade, the proportion of the population living in cities exceeded 40%, with further increases expected in 2030 and 2040.

Indonesia starting from approximately 10% population in cities surpassed Thailand in 2000 and Philippines in 2010 and become second highest with 50% of population living in cities in 2020. The figures for both 2030 and 2040 are projected to increase further. Additionally, Thailand nation showing decent growth between 1970 and 2020 with just 10% increase in population in cities whereas predictions from 2030 to 2040 shows a tremendous growth.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You provide a clear overview of the main shifts: Malaysia becomes the leading country, Indonesia rises from last place to second, and the Philippines fluctuates. The account also includes all four countries and distinguishes historical data from projections. Most reported figures and comparisons are consistent with the graph. However, some details are too general to fully support the overview: for example, Thailand’s rise is described as “just 10%” by 2020, although it increases from about 18% to 33.5%, and its projected growth is called “tremendous” without noting the approximate rise to 49.5%. Indonesia’s starting point is also closer to 14% than 10%. More precise comparisons would strengthen an otherwise well-focused summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear four-paragraph structure, moving from an introduction and overview to country-specific details. The progression is generally easy to follow, and phrases such as “Furthermore,” “Over the following decade,” and “Additionally” help connect information. This meets the lower-band expectation of coherent overall organisation and shows some flexibility in linking ideas. However, transitions occasionally feel mechanical, and the country-by-country grouping makes comparisons less direct. For instance, the Philippines and Indonesia both change rank, but their trajectories are discussed in separate paragraphs rather than explicitly contrasted. Some references are also vague, such as “the figures” and “the other two countries.” Use more precise links and comparisons to make the progression smoother and cohesion less noticeable.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use a suitable range of vocabulary for describing trends, including “fluctuations,” “projected,” “surpassed,” and “maintain this position.” These choices communicate the main patterns and show some awareness of academic reporting style. There are, however, several imprecise or unnatural collocations: “estimated figure increases too,” “increased till 1990,” and “Thailand nation showing decent growth” are less idiomatic or exact than the task requires. “Tremendous growth” overstates Thailand’s projected rise, while “decent” is informal and evaluative. Capitalise “Asian” and “Philippines” consistently, and prefer precise trend language such as “rose steadily” or “is forecast to increase.” Greater control of collocation and register would make the vocabulary more flexible and accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including clauses with “while” and “whereas,” and the overall meaning remains clear. Some sentences are grammatically controlled, such as the overview’s contrast between Malaysia and Indonesia. However, errors recur in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction. For example, “30% of total population were living” needs an article and a more suitable agreement pattern; “estimated figure increases too and reaches” shifts awkwardly between tenses; and “Indonesia … surpassed … and become second highest” lacks the correct past-tense form and article. The final sentence, “Thailand nation showing decent growth,” is not a complete clause. Check tense consistency when separating past data from forecasts, and proofread each sentence for a clear subject and finite verb.

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