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 shows the percentage of people living in cities in four Asian countries, namely the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, between 1970 and 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Overall, the percentage of urban population is expected to increase in all four countries. Malaysia has the highest proportion throughout most of the period and is predicted to remain the highest in 2040. In contrast, Thailand has the lowest figures for most of the years. The Philippines is the only country that shows some fluctuations.

In 1970, around 32% of the population in the Philippines lived in cities, compared with 30% in Malaysia. The figures for Thailand and Indonesia were much lower, at approximately 18% and 13% respectively. By 1990, the Philippines reached about 49%, while Malaysia increased to around 45%. Thailand and Indonesia also rose to 30% and 25%.

From 2000 onwards, Malaysia experienced a significant increase, rising from 60% to about 76% in 2020. It is predicted to reach approximately 83% by 2040. Indonesia also increased considerably, from 30% in 2000 to about 52% in 2020, and is expected to reach 64% in 2040.

Meanwhile, the Philippines fell slightly from 49% in 1990 to around 43% in 2010, before increasing again to a predicted 56% in 2040. Thailand remained relatively stable until 2020, but is forecast to rise to 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 effectively reporting the main features and trends for all four countries. Data points are accurately referenced from the chart, such as Malaysia rising from 60% to 76% in 2020 and the Philippines fluctuating around the mid-40s before dipping and rising. Key comparisons between countries are made throughout, such as noting that Malaysia has the highest proportion and Thailand the lowest for most of the period. The response meets all requirements of Task Achievement at a high level, showing good selection and reporting of data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. The essay begins with an effective introductory statement, followed by a clear overview paragraph that captures the general trends. Body paragraphs are logically grouped by time periods and specific country comparisons. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'Overall', 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'From 2000 onwards'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct stages and trends in the data.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic task reporting trends. Items such as 'proportion', 'fluctuations', 'relatively stable', and 'forecast to rise' demonstrate a good awareness of style and collocation. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies or less common words attempted, but word choice is generally natural and precise enough to convey the data without any impediment to communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including participial clauses and comparative structures (e.g., 'The figures for Thailand and Indonesia were much lower, at approximately 18% and 13% respectively'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. While vocabulary range sits comfortably at Band 7, the grammatical accuracy and variety approach Band 8, though minor limitations in sentence variety keep it solidly at a high level.

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.