Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-02

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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the comparison of population percentages in four Asian countries between 1970 and 2040.

Overall, the population figures for all four countries show an upward trend over the period, although the Philippines experiences some fluctuations.

In 1970, the populations of Indonesia and Thailand were both approximately 15%, while Malaysia and the Philippines had higher figures of around 30%. From 1970 to 1990, the population percentages of all four countries increased steadily. Malaysia then experienced a significant rise after 2000, reaching about 60%, and it is projected to continue increasing to nearly 80% by 2040.

On the other hand, the population of the Philippines rose to a peak of around 50% in 1990 before declining slightly to approximately 45% in 2010. After this decline, it is expected to recover and reach 50% again by 2040.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Thailand are predicted to continue their gradual upward trends, reaching around 60% and 40% respectively by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively covers the main features of the graph. You have identified the key trends for all four countries and included relevant data points to support your descriptions. The overview clearly highlights the general upward trend across the period. However, to reach a higher band, you could improve the 'comparison' aspect. While you mention the countries, more explicit comparisons between them—such as noting that Malaysia overtakes the others to become the most urbanized—would strengthen the analysis. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of the 2030 and 2040 projections ensures all parts of the task are addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group the countries effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'Meanwhile' to transition between different sections of the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the trends. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the information is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'upward trend', 'significant rise', and 'gradual upward trends' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for an Academic Task 1, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated or varied synonyms for 'increase' or 'decline' (e.g., 'climb', 'surge', 'dip', or 'plateau') to show greater flexibility and precision in describing the graphical data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. You successfully use complex structures, such as 'although the Philippines experiences some fluctuations' and 'it is projected to continue increasing', which demonstrates a good command of tense and voice. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the writing is consistently accurate, which is characteristic of a high-level performance.

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

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