Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-04

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 percentage of the population living in cities in four Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the proportion of people living in urban areas increased in all four countries over the period. Malaysia experienced the most significant and consistent growth and is predicted to have the highest percentage by 2040. In contrast, Thailand had the lowest proportion for most of the period.

In 1970, around 30% of the populations of both the Philippines and Malaysia lived in cities, compared with approximately 18% in Thailand and 13% in Indonesia. By 1990, the figure for the Philippines had risen sharply to about 48%, while Malaysia reached approximately 45%. However, the percentage in the Philippines then declined to around 43% in 2010 before beginning to increase again.

Malaysia showed a steady and substantial rise throughout the period. Its urban population increased from about 30% in 1970 to 60% in 2000 and approximately 71% in 2010. It is forecast to reach around 76% in 2020 and more than 80% by 2040.

Indonesia also experienced considerable growth, particularly after 2000. Its figure rose from around 30% in 2000 to approximately 43% in 2010 and 52% in 2020. It is expected to reach about 60% in 2030 and 64% in 2040. Thailand, meanwhile, increased more gradually, from roughly 18% in 1970 to 30% in 1990, and is predicted to reach 50% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the trends and selected key features to illustrate the changes over the period. The data is accurately reported, and comparisons between the four countries are made throughout the text. The inclusion of both historical data and future predictions is well-handled. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are highlighted even more distinctly in the overview, perhaps by explicitly contrasting the rapid growth of Malaysia against the more gradual trajectory of Thailand, rather than just stating they increased.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus, moving from an introduction and overview to specific country-by-country analysis. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'However' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is smooth. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the data without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'most significant and consistent growth,' 'gradually,' and 'forecast to reach' show a solid command of descriptive language. There is a good use of collocations, and the terminology is precise. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms for 'increased' or 'percentage' would elevate the response further. The spelling is accurate throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response uses a variety of complex sentence structures effectively, such as the opening sentence and the comparative structures used throughout the body paragraphs. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage—shifting between past, present, and future predictions—is handled with precision. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The grammatical control is strong, and there are no errors that impede communication.

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