Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-29

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, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, between 1970 and 2040, with figures for the latter years being projections.

Overall, the proportion of urban residents is expected to increase in all four countries. Malaysia shows the most significant and consistent growth and is projected to have the highest percentage by 2040. In contrast, Thailand experiences relatively slow growth until 2020.

In 1970, around 32% of the population in the Philippines lived in cities, compared with 30% in Malaysia. The figures for Thailand and Indonesia were considerably lower, at approximately 18% and 13%, respectively. By 1990, the Philippines had risen sharply to about 48%, while Malaysia reached 45%. Thailand and Indonesia increased more gradually, to around 30% and 25%.

From 2000 onwards, Malaysia experienced particularly rapid urbanisation, rising from 60% to 70% in 2010 and then to approximately 83% by 2040. Indonesia also grew considerably after 2000, reaching about 43% in 2010 and a projected 64% in 2040. Meanwhile, the percentage in the Philippines fluctuated slightly before increasing to around 56% in 2040. Thailand remained relatively stable until 2020, but is then expected to rise to approximately 50% by 2040.

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 to highlight, such as Malaysia's rapid growth and the comparative starting points in 1970. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons between countries are relevant and well-supported by the figures provided. You have successfully distinguished between historical data and projections, which is essential for this task. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features are fully explored; for instance, you could briefly mention the relative positions of the countries at the end of the period to further strengthen the summary.

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 overview, the early period (1970-1990), and the later period (2000-2040). Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'From 2000 onwards' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is skilful and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. The flow between sentences is smooth, and referencing is precise throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. Phrases such as 'significant and consistent growth', 'urbanisation', and 'fluctuated slightly' show a level of precision and sophistication. The use of 'projections' and 'expected to' correctly identifies the nature of the future data. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more varied collocations or less common synonyms for 'increase' or 'rise' could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex structures, such as the introductory participial phrase 'namely the Philippines...' and the use of comparative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to manage complex information. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense usage—switching between past, present, and future projections—is handled with precision, which is a key requirement for this specific task.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.