The graph gives information about the percentage of the population if four different Asian countries living in cities between 1970 and 2020 with additional predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Sample Response
The line chart shows the proportions of people living in citiesdelineates population trends as they relate to urban residency in four Asian countries from 1970 to 2040, including projections for 2030 and 2040starting in 1970 with projections through 2040. OverallLooking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that living in urban areas will increase in each nation, particularly Malaysia and Indonesiaparticularly Malaysia and the Philippines. By the end of the period, Malaysia will have by far the greatest proportion of itstheir population living in cities.
In 1970, the percentages for urban residents in the Philippines and Malaysia were nearly equal (about 32% and 30%, respectively)(31% and 30% for each), as were those for Thailand and Indonesiasimilar to the data for Thailand and Indonesia (19% and 12%, respectively). Over the next twenty years, Malaysia’s percentage rose steadilyrose and fluctuated, switching relative positions with the Philippines around the 40% marker before beginning a dramatic surge in 1990 that is anticipated to continue and reach just over 80%plateau at just over 80% by 2040. The Philippines, in contrast, declined moderately after 19901980, though this figure is projected to recoverwill likely recover and reach about 55%end at a high of above 50% in 2040.
The statistics for urban residency in Indonesia have grown considerably, overtaking Thailand in 2000 (at 28%) and the Philippines in 2010 (at 42%). This pattern is projected to persist with the final figure the second highest among all nations at 55%. Lastly, Thailand has experienced the most gradual and consistent increase to reach approximately 30% in 2020in the present day, with a more rapid rise to over 40% expected by 2040over the next 17 years.
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response is fluently organized and demonstrates strong vocabulary and grammatical control, with a clear identification of Malaysia as the final leader. The main limitation is data accuracy: several dates, crossover points, and final values are misstated, and the overview overemphasizes growth in the Philippines. The highest-priority improvement is to verify each plotted value and turning point before selecting comparisons.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The response provides an overview and covers all four countries, but several important trends and figures do not match the graph.
Correct the Philippines' decline to after 1990, Indonesia's crossover and 2040 value, and the relative strength of each country's growth.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses clearly from the overview to two logically grouped detail paragraphs with effective linking.
Keep each country's chronology strictly sequential so crossover dates and later projections are easier to verify.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is broad, flexible, and generally precise, with effective language for trends, comparisons, and projections.
Avoid potentially misleading choices such as fluctuated for Malaysia's steady rise and present day for the fixed year 2020.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide variety of complex sentence forms is handled with strong control and only minor lapses.
Maintain precise agreement in references to singular countries, such as Malaysia and its population.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
The graph gives information about the percentage of the population if four different Asian countries living in cities between 1970 and 2020 with additional predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.