Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-24

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 8.5)

The line graph illustrates the proportion of the population living in cities in four Asian countries—Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia—from 1970 to 2020, with projections for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, **urbanisation is expected to increase in all four countries over the period**, although the Philippines follows a somewhat different pattern, experiencing a decline after 1990 before recovering. Malaysia records the most substantial and consistent growth and is projected to remain the country with the highest proportion of urban residents. By contrast, Thailand has the lowest figures for most of the period.

In 1970, approximately 30% of the population in both the Philippines and Malaysia lived in cities, compared with around 18% in Thailand and only 13% in Indonesia. Over the following two decades, the Philippines initially rose modestly to about 34% in 1980 before reaching almost 50% in 1990. Malaysia, meanwhile, increased steadily to roughly 40% in 1980 and 45% in 1990. Thailand also experienced gradual growth, reaching around 30% by 1990, while Indonesia rose from approximately 13% to 25%.

From 1990 onwards, Malaysia experienced the most dramatic increase. Its urban population climbed from about 45% to 60% in 2000 and then to approximately 71% in 2010, before reaching 76% in 2020. It is forecast to rise further to around 81% in 2030 and 83% in 2040. Indonesia also underwent substantial urbanisation, particularly after 2000, when its figure increased from about 30% to 43% in 2010 and 52% in 2020. It is predicted to reach approximately 60% and 63% in 2030 and 2040 respectively.

The Philippines, in contrast, fell from roughly 49% in 1990 to 46% in 2000 and 43% in 2010, although the figure subsequently recovered to around 46% in 2020. It is expected to increase to 51% in 2030 and 56% in 2040. Thailand showed relatively slow growth, remaining at around 30–33% between 1990 and 2020, but is projected to rise considerably thereafter, reaching about 41% in 2030 and 50% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified and highlighted the key trends, including the consistent growth in Malaysia, the unique pattern of the Philippines, and the projected acceleration in Thailand. The overview is clear and effectively synthesises the main features of the data. You have covered all parts of the task, including the historical data and the future projections, and provided relevant comparisons throughout the report. The data is accurately represented, and the selection of information is logical and well-structured, ensuring the reader gets a comprehensive understanding of the graph's content.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an overview to detailed chronological analysis. Cohesive devices such as 'by contrast', 'meanwhile', 'subsequently', and 'in contrast' are used naturally and effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is skilful, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is smooth, making the report very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'somewhat different pattern', 'substantial and consistent growth', 'gradual growth', and 'underwent substantial urbanisation' show a high level of lexical control. The use of topic-specific language is precise and natural. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility to describe trends and projections accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You effectively use a variety of sentence types, including subordinate clauses and comparative structures, without any grammatical errors. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The control over tense and aspect—switching between past, present, and future projections—is flawless. The writing is error-free, meeting the criteria for the highest band.

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