Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-10-21

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 illustrates the percentage of the population residing in urban areas in four different Asian countries- the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020. It also predicts the population for the year 2030 and 2040.

Overall, all countries experience a clear upward trend in urbanisation over 70 years. Malaysia consistently maintains the highest population over the period, whereas Indonesia represent rapid growth.

In 1970, the Philippines had the highest number of population at roughly 32 % closely followed by Malaysia at around 30%. However, Malaysia experienced a dramatic increase in population in the year 1990, surpassing the Philippines and steadily increasing up to 75% in 2020 and expected to reach 80% by 2040. In contrast, the Philippines experienced a fluctuating path and reached 50% in 1990, dipped a little over two decades and reached to 45% in 2020, expected to attain 60% in 2040.

The other two countries, Thailand and Indonesia, started with the lowest urban population in 1970 at under 15%. However, Indonesia experienced a rapid increase in urban population, surpassing Thailand in 2000 and the Philippines in 2010, with the second-largest population reaching about 50% in 2020 and expected to reach close to 60% by 2040. Meanwhile, Thailand showed the slowest growth rate, about 18% in 1970, gradually increasing to 30% and is expected to reach 45% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response gives a clear overview of the broad rise in urbanisation and identifies Malaysia as the leading country and Indonesia as a fast-growing one. It also selects relevant comparisons, including Indonesia overtaking Thailand and later the Philippines. Most figures are close to the chart, but there are notable inaccuracies: Malaysia is about 76% in 2020, not 75% (a small difference), while its 2040 figure is about 84%, not 80%; the Philippines is about 56% in 2040, not 60%. Thailand is projected to reach about 50%, rather than 45%. Also, Malaysia does not maintain the highest level throughout: the Philippines is slightly higher in 1970. More precise reporting of these endpoints and the initial ranking would make the account more fully supported.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organised into an introduction, an overview and two body paragraphs, with the countries grouped in a generally logical way. Sequencing phrases such as “In contrast,” “Meanwhile” and “However” help signal comparisons and changes. This clear overall arrangement is a strength. However, some connections are mechanical or imprecise: “However” introduces a rise in Malaysia that is not really a contrast, and “the other two countries” is followed by a comparison that also brings in the Philippines. The overview’s claim that Malaysia “consistently” leads also conflicts with the later statement that the Philippines leads in 1970. Clearer referencing and more carefully chosen transitions would make the progression smoother and more consistent.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

There is an adequate range of vocabulary for describing trends, including “dramatic increase,” “fluctuating path,” “surpassing,” and “gradually increasing.” These choices help distinguish the countries’ patterns, and the meaning remains clear. Some word choices and collocations are less precise for a graph about the share of people living in cities: “the highest number of population” and “Malaysia experienced a dramatic increase in population” can suggest population totals rather than urban percentages. “Indonesia represent rapid growth” also uses an unsuitable form and phrasing. Aim for consistent terms such as “urban share,” “proportion,” and “percentage,” and use trend verbs that accurately describe the data. This would improve precision and naturalness while retaining the useful range already attempted.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “whereas,” “although”-type contrast structures and participial phrasing, and most meanings are readily understood. Some grammatical errors remain. For example, “Indonesia represent rapid growth” has subject–verb disagreement, while “reached to 45%” uses an incorrect verb pattern. The sentence beginning “The other two countries” shifts from plural “countries” to “at under 15%” and then into a long sequence of comparisons, making its structure less controlled. There are also tense and form inconsistencies in forecast descriptions, such as “expected to attain” without a clear subject. Review agreement, verb patterns and sentence boundaries, and make forecast clauses grammatically complete.

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