Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-29

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 7.0)

The line graph illustrates the percentage of the population living in urban areas across four Asian countries—the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia—between 1970 and 2020, along with future projections up to 2040.

In 1970, both Malaysia and the Philippines started at the same level, with 30% of their respective populations residing in cities. From that point, Malaysia experienced a steady and substantial increase, which is projected to continue rising smoothly until it peaks in 2040. Conversely, the Philippines showed a more volatile trend; its urban population rose steadily until 1990, followed by a noticeable decline leading up to 2010. However, the figures have since rebounded and are predicted to continue an upward trajectory through 2040.

Meanwhile, Indonesia began with the lowest urban population in 1970 at just 15%. Over the decades, it experienced a simultaneous, robust increase and is expected to hit 50% by 2040. In contrast, Thailand showed the slowest growth rate, climbing modestly from 19% in 1970 to a projected 35% by 2040, remaining the least urbanized country among the four by the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and reporting key features and comparisons for all four countries. Data points such as starting percentages and projected figures are generally handled accurately, for example noting that Indonesia began with the lowest urban population in 1970 at just 15% and that Malaysia experienced a steady and substantial increase. However, there are some minor inaccuracies or slight over-generalizations in reading the exact chart data, such as Indonesia's projected figure by 2040 being stated as 50% when the graph shows around 64%, and Thailand's starting figure cited as 19% (actual is 18%). Despite these minor discrepancies, the overall response successfully summarizes the main features and trends.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It begins with an appropriate introductory sentence, follows with well-structured body paragraphs grouping the countries logically (Malaysia and the Philippines in one, Indonesia and Thailand in the other), and maintains clear logical links throughout. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'However', 'Meanwhile', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to signal comparisons and contrasts without being mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different groups of data, ensuring the reader can follow the comparisons with ease.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'steady and substantial increase', 'volatile trend', 'upward trajectory', and 'least urbanized country' show good lexical control and an awareness of collocation. There are occasional slight inaccuracies or awkward collocations, such as 'simultaneous, robust increase', but these do not impede communication. The use of less common items is reasonably natural and contributes positively to the overall quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('which is projected to continue rising', 'while Indonesia began with'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. There are only very occasional minor slips or slight awkwardness, but these never impede comprehension. Tense control is managed well across past data, present descriptions, and future projections.

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