Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-17

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 above line graph exhibits the data regarding the percentage of the population living in cities in four Asian countries from the years 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040

Overall, it is clearly visible that Malaysia is at the peak with the highest population whereas Thailand consists of lower population than others. However, the year 2030 and 2040 experienced the highest levels.

In 1970, all the countries went through similar changes. around 30% of the populations of the Philippines and Malaysia lived in cities, compared with approximately 18% in Thailand and 14% in Indonesia. The figure for the Philippines rose gradually to about 34% in 1980 before reaching a peak of roughly 49% in 1990. It then declined to around 42% in 2010, after which it is predicted to increase steadily to approximately 56% by 2040.

Malaysia experienced the most significant overall growth. Its urban population increased from about 30% in 1970 to 60% in 2000, before rising to around 76% in 2020. This figure is forecast to reach approximately 83% by 2040. Indonesia also shows substantial growth, rising from about 14% in 1970 to 52% in 2020, with a further increase to around 64% expected by 2040. Thailand followed a slower upward trend, increasing from approximately 18% to 33% between 1970 and 2020, before being projected to reach about 50% in 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 time periods, including the projections for 2030 and 2040. The selection of data points is accurate, and you made relevant comparisons, such as noting Malaysia's significant growth compared to the others. To reach a higher band, ensure your overview is more precise; for instance, stating that 'the year 2030 and 2040 experienced the highest levels' is slightly inaccurate as these are future projections, not past events. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the countries effectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'In 1970', 'before reaching', and 'after which' to guide the reader through the chronological data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial state from the subsequent trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is generally clear. To improve, ensure that transitions between sentences are varied to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in some places, but overall, the flow of information is logical and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'significant overall growth', 'steady increase', and 'projected to reach' are used accurately. You avoid repetitive language and show an ability to use topic-specific vocabulary related to data description. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items, such as 'upward trajectory' or 'surpassed', to add more precision and variety to your analysis of the trends.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control of tense is generally good, particularly when shifting between past data and future projections. There are minor punctuation slips, such as the missing period at the end of the first paragraph. However, these do not impede communication. Your use of subordinate clauses, such as 'before rising to around 76% in 2020', demonstrates a good command of complex structures. Continued focus on proofreading for small mechanical errors will help you maintain a high level of accuracy.

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