The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in 4 Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040.

Percentage population 4 Asian countries living cities 1970 2020 predictions 2030 2040 - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 258 words.

The line graph illustrates the proportion of citizens residing in urban areas across four distinct Asian nations (the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia) from 1970 to 2020, with projected figures leading up to 2040.

Overall, it is clear that all four countries are expected to experience an upward trend in urbanization over the entire 70-year period. Malaysia is projected to maintain its position with the highest percentage of city-dwellers by 2040, whereas Indonesia is set to witness the most dramatic growth.

Looking first at Malaysia and Indonesia, both countries show a continuous, steep rise in their urban populations. In 1970, roughly 30% of Malaysians lived in cities, a figure that climbed sharply to reach approximately 75% in 2020 and is anticipated to peak at just over 80% by 2040. Similarly, Indonesia started with the lowest urban percentage in 1970 at just over 10%. However, its city population grew rapidly, overtaking Thailand around 2000 and the Philippines by 2010. By 2040, Indonesia’s urban population is forecast to reach a substantial 60%.

In contrast, the Philippines and Thailand experienced more fluctuated or gradual growth. The Philippines initially had the highest urban population in 1970 at nearly 32%. Despite peaking at around 45% in 1990, it underwent a noticeable decline to roughly 40% in 2010 before recovering. It is expected to finish at about 50% in 2040. Meanwhile, Thailand’s urban population grew at a slow, steady pace from around 18% in 1970 to just under 30% in 2020, with a projected acceleration to approximately 45% by the end of the period.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that meets all the criteria for Band 9. The writing is fluent, the data interpretation is accurate, and the structure is perfectly logical. The use of varied vocabulary to describe trends and the seamless integration of projections are particularly impressive.

Task Achievement - 9

- The response covers all requirements of the task, including the historical data and the projections. - A clear overview is provided, highlighting the general upward trend and specific leaders in the data. - Key features (ranking shifts, intersections, and peaks) are skillfully selected and illustrated with accurate figures.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is skillfully managed, with a logical divide between the two highest-growth countries and the more fluctuated/gradual ones. - Cohesion is used in such a way that it rarely attracts attention; transitions like 'In contrast' and 'Meanwhile' are perfectly placed. - The message flows effortlessly from the overview to specific data analysis.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Sophisticated use of lexical features such as 'residing in urban areas', 'dramatic growth', and 'forecast to reach'. - Excellent variety in describing trends: 'climbed sharply', 'anticipated to peak', 'noticeable decline', and 'projected acceleration'. - Precise use of data-related vocabulary ensures clear communication without repetition.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. - The student accurately handles complex tenses, such as the future passive 'is forecast to reach' and the present perfect 'has experienced'. - Punctuation and grammar are flawless throughout the response.

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