Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-28

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 illustrates the data about the percentage of the population in four Asian nations living in urban areas from 1970 to 2020, with forecasts for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, it is quite clear that all four nations population living in urban areas rose consistently without any decrease while Philippines showed a fluctuation.

To begin with, Malaysia has 30% of population living in cities in 1970 but astonishingly it seems the only country, going to reach above 80% in 2040. However, Thailand would be the country to face the lowest percentage of the population in 2040 with around 49%, although they will rose from 19% in 1970.

By contrast, Indonesia started from the lowest percentage of population living in cities which was about 14% but they rose rapidly throughout the period and end with 60% and that would be the second largest populated country in 2040. Finally, Philippines was the only country to experienced the fluctuation which accounted as a decline from 1990 to 2010 but surprisingly it also increased and expected to cross 50% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends and making relevant comparisons. You successfully highlighted the overall upward trend for all countries and noted the specific exception of the Philippines. However, the analysis could be more precise; for instance, describing the Philippines' trend as a 'fluctuation' is slightly inaccurate as the data shows a clear decline followed by a recovery. Additionally, while you mention the start and end points, more specific data points for the intermediate years would strengthen the report. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the main features, meeting the requirements for a Band 6.5-7.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'By contrast', and 'Finally' to guide the reader. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical, and some referencing is slightly awkward, such as 'that would be the second largest populated country'. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner, though the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated to reach a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'urban areas', 'forecasts', and 'fluctuation'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'second largest populated country' (which should be 'second most urbanized') and 'accounted as a decline'. While you attempt to use some less common vocabulary, the precision is occasionally lacking. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations related to data trends, such as 'upward trajectory' or 'significant growth', rather than relying on simpler verbs like 'rose'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and subject-verb agreement, such as 'all four nations population... rose' (should be 'the population of all four nations rose') and 'they will rose' (should be 'they will rise'). Additionally, 'Philippines was the only country to experienced' contains a tense error. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more error-free complex sentences and ensure consistent control over verb forms.

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