Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-18

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 7.5)

The line graph compares the percentage of people living in urban areas in four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, with future predictions up to 2040.

Overall, the proportion of the population living in cities in all four nations increased and is expected to continue growing. Malaysia consistently has the highest urban population rate for most of the period, while Thailand generally remains the lowest.

In 1970, the Philippines had the highest percentage of city dwellers at over 30%, followed closely by Malaysia at 30%. However, Malaysia’s rate rose sharply and surpassed the Philippines by 1990, reaching about 75% in 2020. It is predicted to peak at around 83% in 2040. In contrast, the figure for the Philippines fluctuated, dropping after 1990 before climbing again, and is expected to reach approximately 55% in 2040.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Thailand started with lower figures, at around 13% and 18% respectively. Indonesia experienced a significant growth, overtaking Thailand and the Philippines after 2010, and is projected to reach over 60% by 2040. Thailand grew more slowly but is still expected to reach 50% by the end of the period.

Band Scores

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the trends and successfully selected key features, such as the consistent growth in Malaysia and the fluctuating pattern of the Philippines. The comparisons between countries are well-integrated, and the data is used accurately to support the summary. You have covered the entire timeframe, including the future predictions, which demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the graph. The information is well-balanced, and the main trends are clearly highlighted without unnecessary detail, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overall trend, and the detailed breakdown of the countries. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'followed closely by' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The structure is coherent, and the relationship between the data points is clearly articulated, making the report easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe trends accurately, such as 'rose sharply,' 'surpassed,' 'fluctuated,' and 'projected to reach.' The word choice is precise and appropriate for an academic report. There is a good attempt at using less common vocabulary, and the collocations are generally natural. While the vocabulary is effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or varied ways to describe growth and decline could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good variety of complex structures, including subordinate clauses and comparative constructions. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage—shifting between past data and future projections—is handled well. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede meaning. To reach a higher band, you could aim for even greater complexity in sentence structure, though the current level is already quite strong and demonstrates good flexibility.

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

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