Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-12

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 compares the percentages of people living in cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, urbanisation increased in all four countries, although the Philippines experienced some fluctuation. Malaysia recorded the highest and most consistent growth, while Thailand remained the least urbanised for most of the period. By 2040, all countries are expected to have considerably larger urban populations overall than before.

In 1970, around 30% of Malaysia’s population lived in cities, compared with approximately 32% in the Philippines. Malaysia then rose steadily, reaching 60% in 2000 and 75% in 2020. This figure is projected to climb further, to 80% in 2030 and about 82% in 2040.

The Philippines followed a less stable pattern. Its urban population increased to roughly 48% in 1990, before falling to 42% in 2010. It subsequently recovered to 45% in 2020 and is forecast to reach 55% by 2040.

Indonesia experienced particularly rapid growth, rising from only 14% in 1970 to 52% in 2020. It is predicted to reach 63% in 2040. Thailand increased more gradually, from 18% to 33% between 1970 and 2020, but is expected to approach 50% by 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and reporting the main features of the graph regarding the percentages of urban population in four Asian countries. Key comparisons are made effectively, such as noting that Malaysia recorded the highest growth while Thailand remained the least urbanised for most of the period. Specific data points, like Malaysia reaching 75% in 2020 and Indonesia rising from 14% to 52%, are accurately selected and reported. The information is well-developed, and the response fulfills all requirements of Academic Task 1 successfully, aligning with the Band 8 descriptor for covering all parts well with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Ideas are grouped coherently into an introductory paragraph, an overall summary, and separate body paragraphs dedicated to specific country trends. Cohesive devices such as 'although', 'while', 'before falling to', and 'subsequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in structuring the report. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a smooth reading experience that meets the criteria for a high band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to a task of this nature, using terms such as 'urbanisation', 'fluctuation', 'projected to climb further', and 'forecast to reach'. There is good control over less common items and collocations, as seen in expressions like 'less stable pattern' and 'rose steadily'. While vocabulary choice is generally precise, occasional minor inaccuracies or common collocations prevent it from reaching the highest tier, but the range used comfortably satisfies the Band 7 criteria by allowing for flexibility and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a variety of complex sentence structures effectively, incorporating subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'The line graph compares...', 'Overall, urbanisation increased in all four countries, although the Philippines experienced some fluctuation.'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout the 200-word response. While occasional minor slips might occur, the presence of frequent error-free sentences and a wide range of structures aligns well with the Band 8 descriptor.

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