Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-27
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 illustrates the percentage 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, it is clear that the proportion of people living in cities is expected to increase in all four countries by 2040. Malaysia records the highest levels throughout most of the period and is projected to remain the most urbanised country, while Indonesia is expected to experience the most substantial overall growth. By contrast, Thailand has the lowest projected figure in 2040.
Looking first at Malaysia, the proportion of its population living in cities rose steadily from around 30% in 1970 to approximately 45% in 1990. It then increased sharply to 60% in 2000 and continued to climb, reaching about 76% in 2020. This upward trend is forecast to continue, with the figure reaching roughly 81% in 2030 and 83% by 2040. Indonesia followed a similar but more gradual upward pattern, rising from about 13% in 1970 to 30% in 2000. After that, its urban population increased more rapidly, reaching around 43% in 2010 and 60% in 2030, before reaching approximately 63% in 2040.
The Philippines, in contrast, showed some fluctuation. Its urban population increased from roughly 32% in 1970 to just under 50% in 1990, before declining to around 43% in 2010. It is then predicted to recover gradually, reaching approximately 46% in 2020, 50% in 2030 and 56% in 2040. Thailand experienced a relatively modest increase until 2020, rising from about 18% in 1970 to 33% in 2020. However, it is projected to grow more rapidly thereafter, reaching around 40% in 2030 and 50% by 2040.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features, including the overall trends and specific data points for the four countries. Your overview clearly highlights the general upward trend and identifies the countries with the highest and lowest figures, which is essential for a high band score. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons between the countries are well-integrated throughout the body paragraphs. You have fully addressed the requirements of the prompt by covering the entire period from 1970 to 2040.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two well-structured body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving logically from the general trend to specific country details. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Looking first at', and 'after that', which help guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related information, ensuring the response is easy to follow and coherent throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'projections', 'urbanised', 'fluctuation', and 'modest increase'. The language is natural and fits the academic context of the task perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully avoid repetition by using a variety of verbs and nouns to describe the trends in the graph, which adds to the sophistication of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
Your grammar is highly accurate, with a wide range of complex sentence structures used throughout the response. You effectively use subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'with projections for 2030 and 2040' and 'reaching around 43% in 2010'. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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