Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-31

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 graphs represents the proportion of population living in cities in four different countries of Asia from 1970 to 2020 along with the predictions for 2030 and 2040. The four countries includes Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Overall, the percentage of people living in cities shows an increase by 2040. Most percentage of the population living in cities is from Malaysia.

An upward pattern is seen in the percentage of Malaysia population and Indonesia population living in cities from 1970 to 2020. In Malaysia, the proportion has increased from 30% to almost 75% from 1970 to 2020. For 2030, the percentage is estimated to be 80% and later increasing to slightly above 80% by 2040. Similar pattern has been seen in Indonesia, percentage hiked from slightly above 10% to almost 5 times(50%) by the year 2020. Indonesian proportion of population living in cities is estimated to be slightly less than 60% in 2030 to slightly more than 60% by 2040. A fluctuated pattern is seen for Philippines and Thailand. The percentage was almost steady in Philippines for almost a decade from 1970 to 1980, it then spiked to 50% by 1990 but then again fell to 40% by 2010.After 2010, it increased to slightly above 40% by 2020. The 2030 and 2040 projection are 50% and 55% for 2030 and 2040, respectively. The Thailand proportion showed an upward trend from 1970 to 1990, but it fell in 2000 almost 25% and was almost stable till 2020 for 2 decades. The estimated ratio has increased by 10% for 2030 and reaching slightly below 50% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all four countries and included the required predictions for 2030 and 2040. However, the analysis could be improved by making more direct comparisons between the countries rather than describing each one in isolation. For instance, noting that Malaysia consistently remains the most urbanized country while Thailand and the Philippines show more volatility would strengthen the response. The data points are generally accurate, though ensure that the distinction between 'percentage' and 'proportion' is used consistently to maintain academic precision.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to specific trends. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'overall', 'similarly', and 'after 2010', which help the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the transition between sentences can sometimes feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the relationship between the historical data and the future projections is more seamlessly integrated within the paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'upward pattern', 'fluctuated', and 'projection'. However, there are some instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'most percentage of the population' (which should be 'the highest percentage') and 'almost 5 times(50%)'. Additionally, the word 'hiked' is a bit informal for an academic report. Expanding your repertoire of descriptive verbs and adverbs—such as 'surged', 'remained stagnant', or 'gradual increase'—would enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical slips, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('The graphs represents', 'The four countries includes') and minor punctuation errors. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic agreement and ensuring that your use of articles and prepositions is consistent. Your ability to handle future tense projections is generally good, but watch for small errors in sentence construction.

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