Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-26

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 proportion of citizens residing in urban areas across four Asian nations—the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia—from 1970 to 2020, alongside projected trends up to 2040.

Overall, all four countries exhibit a clear upward trajectory in urbanization over the seventy-year period. Malaysia is projected to maintain its position with the highest urban population percentage, while Indonesia demonstrates the most rapid rate of growth after initially starting with the lowest figures.

In 1970, the Philippines had the highest urbanization rate at approximately 32%, closely followed by Malaysia at 30%. However, while the Philippines experienced a period of fluctuation—peaking at nearly 50% in 1990 before dropping slightly and then recovering—Malaysia witnessed a continuous, sharp surge. By 2020, Malaysia's urban population reached roughly 75%, and it is expected to culminate at a dominant 83% by 2040. Meanwhile, the Philippines is predicted to grow more steadily, finishing at around 56% in 2040.

The remaining two nations started with much lower urban concentrations but follow distinct growth patterns. Indonesia began at the bottom of the chart in 1970 with just 14% of its population in cities. However, it underwent an aggressive acceleration after 2000, overtaking both Thailand and the Philippines to reach over 50% by 2020, with a further projected rise to roughly 63% by 2040. Conversely, Thailand's urbanization has been much more gradual; starting at 18% in 1970, it lagged behind the other nations for most of the period and is expected to reach exactly 50% by the final year.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The student covers all parts of the task thoroughly and presents a clear overview of the main trends. Key features, such as Malaysia's continuous dominance and Indonesia's rapid growth from a low starting point, are accurately reported and well-supported with specific figures. Data points cited, such as Malaysia reaching 75% in 2020 and Indonesia starting at 14% in 1970, are aligned with the visual data. The response demonstrates a fully developed and well-balanced selection of information, fulfilling all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction to the overview and detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the chart (e.g., Malaysia and overall trends in one paragraph, and Indonesia and Thailand in the next). Cohesive devices are used flexibly and naturally without being intrusive, such as 'However', 'Meanwhile', and 'Conversely'. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.5

The student demonstrates a wide, flexible lexical resource suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Vocabulary is precise and sophisticated, utilizing terms like 'upward trajectory', 'urbanization rate', 'fluctuation', 'surge', and 'aggressive acceleration'. Collocations are generally natural, and word choices such as 'culminate' and 'concentrations' display a strong command of less common lexical items. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The text exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer successfully employs participial phrases, subordinate clauses, and varied referencing. Control over punctuation and grammar is strong, with only occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. Complex structures like 'after initially starting with the lowest figures' and 'overtaking both Thailand and the Philippines to reach over 50%' are handled very well.

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