Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-30

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 diagram represents the percentage of total population of four Asian countries living in cities from the year 1970 to 2020. It also provides information about the predictions for the year 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the population living in cities namely, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia kept on increasing from the year 1970 to 2020, so there is a prediction that it will further continue to increase till the year 2040.

In the year 1970, the percentage of total population living in cities in Indonesia was around 15%, which increased to around 40% by 2010 and then to 50% by the end of 2020. There is a prediction that it will increase to around 60% by the end of 2040. A similar trend could be observed in case of Malaysia, where the initial percentage of population in cities was only around 30% in 1970 which then climbed to 70% in 2010 and then kept on increasing till 2020, where the percentage reached to around 75%. By 2040, there is a prediction that the percentage of individuals living in Malaysia would increase to 80%.

Meanwhile in cities like Philippines and Thailand, the population trends were similar. It started with around 30% and 20% respectively in these cities. The percentage reached the maximum in 1990 for both these cities and then a downward trend was seen in case of these cities. There is a belief that the percentage of population in these cities would reach to around 50% and 45% respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided data to support your descriptions. You covered all four countries and included the predictions for 2030 and 2040. However, there is a significant factual error in your analysis of the Philippines and Thailand. You stated that they reached a maximum in 1990 and then showed a downward trend, but the graph actually shows a consistent upward trend for all four countries throughout the period. This misinterpretation of the data negatively impacts the accuracy of your task achievement. To improve, ensure you carefully verify the visual data before writing your summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on different groups of countries. You use cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In the year 1970', and 'A similar trend' to link your ideas effectively. The progression of information is generally clear, although the transition between the description of the first two countries and the latter two could be smoother. The use of paragraphing is appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'percentage', 'population', 'predictions', and 'downward trend'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'percentage' and 'increase'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms and precise reporting verbs or nouns, such as 'proportion', 'climb', 'surge', or 'projected figures'. Your word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, but it lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'There is a prediction that it will increase to around 60% by the end of 2040.' While your grammar is generally functional, there are some minor errors, such as 'in case of Malaysia' (which should be 'in the case of Malaysia') and 'reached to around 50%' (the verb 'reach' does not take the preposition 'to'). Despite these slips, your meaning is always clear, and the errors do not cause difficulty for the reader.

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