Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-24

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 7.0)

The line graph compares the data about the proportion of the overall residents living in towns in four Asian countries – the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia – from the year 1970 to 2020 and forecasts for the years 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is evident that all countries experienced an upward trend since the population is drastically increasing. Although there was a gradual decline in the number of the population in the Philippines.

In the year 1970, 30% of inhabitants were living in urban areas in Malaysia; the population kept increasing and is expected to reach around 80% in the year 2040, accounting for the most populated country. Similarly, Indonesia shows a resembling trend, beginning from 10%, the least of all. Half of the residents were residing in towns in the year 2010, surpassing Thailand in 2000 and predicted to be 60% at the end of the period. Simultaneously, Thailand represents an ascending percentage for the population in cities: 19% in the year 1970, stable between the years 1990 and 2020, and 1/2 of the inhabitants in town in the year 2040.

Consequently, the Philippines urban population ascends from 30% in 1970 to 50% in the year 1990, a significant decline to 40% in 2010, and reaches 55% at the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided data points for all four countries. The overview is clear, although the statement 'all countries experienced an upward trend' is slightly contradicted by your own observation regarding the Philippines' decline. To improve, ensure your overview accurately reflects the data. You have covered the start, end, and key intermediate points, which satisfies the requirements for a Band 7. The comparison between countries is generally effective, though more explicit comparative language would strengthen the analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'Simultaneously', and 'Consequently' to link ideas. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is slightly abrupt, and the final paragraph feels a bit disconnected from the previous analysis. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the countries, which helps the reader follow the progression of information. The flow is generally smooth, though some cohesive links are slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'proportion of the overall residents', 'upward trend', and 'ascending percentage' are used effectively. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'resembling trend' (should be 'similar trend') and 'most populated country' (which is ambiguous in this context). You attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is good, but precision could be improved to reach a higher band. The vocabulary is adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'the population is drastically increasing' (when referring to the percentage) and '1/2 of the inhabitants in town' (which is informal for a report). There are also minor punctuation and preposition errors. The majority of your sentences are clear, but the frequency of these small errors prevents a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and more formal phrasing would be beneficial.

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