Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-22

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 proportions of the populations living in cities in four Asian countries—the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia—from 1970 to 2020, with projected figures for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, urbanisation increased substantially in all four countries over the period, and this upward trend is expected to continue. Malaysia had the highest proportion of urban residents for most of the period and is forecast to remain well ahead of the other countries in 2040. By contrast, Thailand is projected to have the lowest figure, while Indonesia is expected to experience the most pronounced overall growth.

In 1970, around 30% of Malaysia's population lived in cities, compared with approximately 32% in the Philippines. Malaysia then underwent particularly rapid urbanisation, reaching 40% in 1980, 60% in 2000 and 75% in 2020. Its urban population is predicted to rise further, to about 80% in 2030 and 83% in 2040. The Philippines, meanwhile, increased from roughly 32% in 1970 to 48% in 1990, before declining to around 43% in 2010. It subsequently recovered slightly to 45% in 2020 and is forecast to reach 56% by 2040.

Indonesia started with by far the lowest proportion, at approximately 14% in 1970. However, its figure rose steadily, reaching 30% in 2000 and 52% in 2020, meaning that it overtook both Thailand and the Philippines. This growth is expected to continue, with the proportion projected to reach 60% in 2030 and 64% in 2040. Thailand followed a considerably slower trajectory, increasing from about 18% in 1970 to 33% in 2020, before being forecast to rise to 40% in 2030 and 50% in 2040.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The student produces a fully developed response that addresses all parts of the task. The overview successfully identifies the main trends—overall upward trajectory in urbanisation, Malaysia maintaining the highest proportions, and Indonesia experiencing notable growth. Key data points and comparisons are accurately selected and reported, such as Malaysia rising from 30% in 1970 to 76% in 2020 and Indonesia overtaking other nations. The figures cited closely match the visual data provided, with appropriate acknowledgement of projected timelines up to 2040. The information is logically grouped, and there are no omissions of major features, satisfying the highest standards for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Coherence and cohesion are managed to a very high standard. The text is arranged logically, with a clear introduction, an overall summary paragraph, and well-structured body paragraphs dedicated to specific country comparisons. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the data (e.g., 'By contrast', 'meanwhile', 'However'). Paragraphing is fully appropriate and logical, ensuring a smooth progression of ideas throughout the response without any obtrusive or mechanical referencing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Vocabulary relating to trends and data reporting is handled skillfully, including items like 'proportions', 'projected figures', 'urbanisation', 'upward trend', and 'trajectory'. Word choice and collocations are precise (e.g., 'most pronounced overall growth', 'rapid urbanisation'), and minor slips are virtually non-existent, reflecting a strong command of precise academic vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. The student successfully integrates subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and comparative structures (e.g., 'Malaysia then underwent particularly rapid urbanisation, reaching 40% in 1980...', 'meaning that it overtook both Thailand and the Philippines'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout, demonstrating an excellent level of grammatical control.

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.