Read the sample answer on the topic: 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.
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.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
– This task is taken from Cambridge IELTS 18 Test 1
Band Score: 5.5 Bands
The graph shows proportion of people living in cities of four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, and predictions for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it is clear that the population of all countries will increase in the future just like it increased between 1970 and 2020.
Firstly, Malaysiaa have population of 30 percent in cities which increased to 45% from 1970 to 1990. Between same years, population of Indonesia will reach the peak of 20 from 12. After that, city population will rose in the future as well.
Then comes the Phillippines and Thailand. People living in cities in Phillipines were 30 percent in 1990 and climb up to nearly 50 till 1990. Then there was a sudden drop till 2010, where it becomes 40%. If we predict the future, it will be more than 50% by 2040. Thailand starts at 20, then continue to rise till 2030 when it will become nearly 45%.
Band Score: 6 Bands
The line graph illustrates the proportion of urban citizens in Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia between 1970 and 2020, with the expected population in 2030 and 2040.
Overall, it can be easily seen that all four countries has a dramatic rise in population, starting at the lowest point in 1970 and being projected to reach the peak in 2040.
Malaysia and Indonesia saw a slightly rise in population, respectively from 30 to about 45 and around 12 to over 20 percent from 1970 to 1990. After that, both countries has climbed rapidly until now before being predicted to continue increasing for the next 20 years.
After almost remaining in the 70s, Philippines percentage increased dramatically to reach about 47 percent on 1990 and dropped to 40% in 2010. Then, this country faced slightly rise in 2020. Meanwhile, Thailand reached approximate 30% in 1990 and saw not much changes until 2020. Both two countries are projected to increase in population in 2030 and 2040.
Written by an IELTS Candidate
Band Score: 6.5 Bands
The line graph presents data on the proportion of the population residing in urban areas across four Asian countries from 1970 to 2020, along with forecasts for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, the proportion of the population living in cities increased in all four countries from 1970 to 2020, and this upward trend is expected to continue through 2030 and 2040. Additionally, Indonesia’s urban population is projected to surpass that of the Philippines and Thailand, making it the second most urbanized country after Malaysia.
In 1970, Malaysia had the highest urban population, with around 30% of its people living in cities. This figure steadily increased, surpassing 70% by 2020. The Philippines followed a similar trend, reaching approximately 50% in 2020 after fluctuating slightly in the 1990s. Similarly, Indonesia’s and Thailand’s urban populations were roughly 15% and 20%, respectively, in 1970. However, both countries showed consistent growth, with Indonesia surpassing 50% and Thailand reaching nearly 40% by 2020.
Malaysia’s urban population may exceed 80% by 2040. Indonesia is set to grow the most, reaching 65% and surpassing the Philippines and Thailand. The Philippines will rise above 55%, while Thailand will near 50% by 2040.
Written by an IELTS Candidate
Avoid these mistakes in this question:
1. Project Future Trends Accurately
When discussing forecasts, use words like “is projected to,” “is expected to,” or “may reach” instead of definite statements like “will increase”, will decrease” etc.
2. Highlight Significant Changes
Instead of just stating increases, point out the most notable shifts, such as Indonesia’s rapid rise after 2000 or Malaysia’s consistently high urbanization.
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Evaluated By: Hamza Ahmad
I’m an English language trainer with 3+ years of experience in IELTS, helping students achieve scores as high as an 8.0 overall band. A published contributor to Modern English Teacher (MET), I founded IELTS Prep and Practice to help students hit their target scores through proven strategies and personalized coaching.
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