Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-14

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 provides the information about the probability of the populate in four Asian nations living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with assumptions for 2030 and 2040.

At the fleeting glance over the given details, In 1970, approximately 32% of the population of the Philippines lived in cities, compared with 30% in Malaysia. The corresponding figures for Thailand and Indonesia were considerably lower, at about 18% and 14% respectively. Malaysia then experienced substantial growth, reaching around 60% in 2000 and approximately 76% in 2020. This upward trend is forecast to continue, with the figure reaching about 81% in 2030 and 83% in 2040.

The Philippines followed a more fluctuating pattern. Its urban population rose from roughly 32% in 1970 to almost 50% in 1990, before declining gradually to around 43% in 2010. It then increased to approximately 46% in 2020 and is predicted to reach about 56% by 2040. Indonesia, meanwhile, saw steady growth from about 14% in 1970 to 30% in 2000. After that, its rate of urbanisation accelerated sharply, reaching approximately 43% in 2010 and 52% in 2020, before rising to around 64% in 2040.

Thailand experienced comparatively modest growth, increasing from about 18% in 1970 to 30% in 2000 and 33% in 2020. Nevertheless, a faster rise is predicted in the following two decades, with the proportion expected to reach around 41% in 2030 and 50% in 2040.

Overall, the proportion of urban residents is expected to increase in all four countries over the period. Malaysia shows the highest level of urbanisation for most of the period and is projected to remain considerably ahead of the others. Indonesia is also expected to experience particularly rapid growth, whereas Thailand has the lowest figures from 2000 onwards.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all parts of the task. You have identified the main trends and provided specific data points for all four countries across the given timeframe. The overview is clear and highlights the key differences in urbanisation patterns, such as Malaysia's dominance and the varying growth rates. The information is well-selected and supports the summary effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that all terminology is precise; for instance, 'probability of the populate' is inaccurate in this context, as the graph shows percentages of the population, not probability.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each country or group, and a summary overview. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'meanwhile', 'nevertheless', and 'the corresponding figures' to link information effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different trends. The structure is coherent throughout, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, including terms like 'urbanisation', 'fluctuating pattern', 'accelerated sharply', and 'modest growth'. However, there are some awkward word choices in the introduction, such as 'probability of the populate', which should be 'percentage of the population'. Additionally, 'fleeting glance' is slightly informal for an academic report. Despite these minor issues, the vocabulary is generally precise and appropriate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The Philippines followed a more fluctuating pattern' and 'This upward trend is forecast to continue, with the figure reaching...'. Grammar is generally accurate, and punctuation is handled well. There are very few errors, and those present do not impede communication. The control over complex structures is consistent, supporting a high band score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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