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 proportion of people living in urban areas in four Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, from 1970 to 2020, along with projected figures up to 2040.

Overall, all four countries experienced a steady rise in urban population over the period shown, with Malaysia consistently recording the highest levels of urbanisation and Thailand the lowest. It is also notable that Indonesia overtook the Philippines in the latter half of the period and is projected to maintain a clear lead by 2040.

In 1970, around 30% of Malaysia's population lived in cities, the highest figure among the four nations, and this proportion climbed steadily to reach approximately 82% by 2040. The Philippines started at a similar level to Malaysia and edged ahead of it briefly in 1990, at just under 50%, before its growth slowed considerably, ending at around 56% by 2040.

By contrast, Thailand and Indonesia began the period with much lower urban populations, at roughly 15-20%. Thailand's urbanisation increased only gradually, reaching just over 50% by 2040, making it the least urbanised of the four countries throughout. Indonesia, meanwhile, grew at a much faster rate from 2000 onwards, overtaking both Thailand and the Philippines to reach around 64% by 2040, second only to Malaysia.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the main trends and making relevant comparisons across the four countries. An effective overview is included, highlighting Malaysia's consistent leadership, Thailand's position at the lower end, and Indonesia's notable growth. Key data points are accurately reported, such as Malaysia reaching approximately 82% by 2040 and Indonesia overtaking the Philippines. The figures cited align closely with the visual data provided. The response satisfies all criteria for a strong Task Achievement score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Information is grouped effectively, with the introduction followed by an overview paragraph, then detailed breakdowns of specific countries in the body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1970', 'By contrast', and 'meanwhile' are used naturally and appropriately to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is logical, and referencing throughout the text remains clear and unambiguous.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task, employing appropriate vocabulary such as 'proportion', 'urban areas', 'urbanisation', 'projected figures', and 'consistently recording'. Less common phrases like 'edged ahead of it briefly' and 'growth slowed considerably' are used naturally. Word choice and collocations are accurate, with only rare, minor slips that do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. Examples include participial phrases and subordinate clauses, such as 'leaving behind' and 'along with projected figures up to 2040'. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control of grammar and punctuation. Control over tense usage when shifting between historical data and future predictions is handled smoothly.

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.