Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)
The line graph illustrates the proportion of the population in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia living in urban areas from 1970 to 2040.
Overall, it is clear that the percentage of the population living in cities showed an upward trend in Malaysia and Indonesia, while the figure for Thailand experienced an increase over the period, with the Philippines showing fluctuations.
In 1970, the Philippines had the highest proportion of city dwellers at around 32%, followed closely by Malaysia at nearly 30%. However, Malaysia’s urban population grew rapidly, reaching about 75% in 2020 and is projected to peak at over 80% by 2040. In contrast, the figure for the Philippines fluctuated between 1970 and 2010 (dropping to about 42% in 2010) before rising steadily again, with an expected reach of roughly 55% in 2040.
Starting from much lower levels, Indonesia and Thailand recorded around 13% and 18% of urban residents in 1970, respectively. Indonesia experienced a consistent upward trend, surpassing the Philippines after 2010, and is predicted to reach over 60% by 2040. Thailand’s percentage grew more slowly until 2020 (around 33%), but it is anticipated to experience accelerated growth, reaching nearly 50% by the end of the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response effectively addresses all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. The selection of key features, such as the rapid growth in Malaysia and the fluctuating pattern of the Philippines, is accurate and well-supported by the data provided. You have made relevant comparisons between the countries throughout the report, which is essential for a high band score. The information is logically grouped, and the predictions for 2030 and 2040 are correctly integrated into the analysis, ensuring a comprehensive summary of the graph.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus: the introduction, the overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the specific country data. You have used cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Starting from', and 'However' effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure allows the reader to follow the comparison of the four countries without difficulty.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'upward trend', 'projected to peak', 'consistent upward trend', and 'accelerated growth' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of the report. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, it could be slightly more varied to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high score. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('starting from much lower levels') and relative clauses, with very few errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The tense usage is consistent and appropriate for describing both past trends and future projections. The writing is fluent and professional, with no grammatical slips that impede communication.
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