Task 1 · line graph · 18 samples

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

Data or diagram for the writing questionPractise this task →

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Compare the overall upward direction with differences in pace: Malaysia rises steadily, while Indonesia’s growth accelerates after 2000.
  • Highlight meaningful exceptions to a simple upward trend, especially the Philippines’ fall after 1990 and Thailand’s extended plateau.
  • Use the final-year figures to compare the projected ranking: Malaysia is highest, Indonesia next, the Philippines below it, and Thailand lowest.

Suggested structure

  1. Paraphrase the graph’s subject, countries, and time span in the introduction.
  2. Give an overview of the overall direction and the main contrast in projected levels.
  3. Describe starting values and Malaysia’s steady rise.
  4. Compare the Philippines’ dip and recovery with Indonesia’s stronger later growth.
  5. Finish the detailed comparison with Thailand’s plateau and forecast increase.
Useful vocabulary & examples
urban population share
the percentage of a population living in cities

Malaysia’s urban population share is projected to exceed 80% by 2040.

reach a peak
attain the highest point in a period

The Philippines reached a peak of about 48% in 1990.

remain broadly stable
stay at a similar level, with little overall change

Thailand’s figure remained broadly stable near 30% for several years.

be projected to
be expected or forecast to happen

Indonesia’s urban share is projected to reach about 64% in 2040.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

195 words · Illustrative target band

The provided line graph illustrates the urban population percentages of the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia from 1970 to 2020, with projections for 2030 and 2040. Overall, the Philippines had the highest urban population percentages, with a substantial increase from 1970 to 2040. In contrast, Indonesia had the lowest urbanization rate, while Malaysia and Thailand showed different trends. In 1970, the P…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

212 words · Illustrative target band

The graph illustrates the proportions of people living in urban areas in four different countries in Asia between 1970 and 2020, along with projections for 2030 and 2040. Overall, it is evident that all four nations experienced an upward trend and Malaysia stood out as having the highest percentage among the group. These patterns are particularly clear in Malaysia and Indonesia, whose figures rose substantially, whil…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

194 words · Illustrative target band

The given linear graph delineates the information about the proportion of people in 4 distinct countries who were urban dwellers from 1970 to 2020, along with the projection for 2030 and 2040. The data has been calibrated in percentage. Overall, it is evident that Malaysia and the Philippines had almost the same ratio of urban dwellers in 1970, at about 30%. Malaysia then rose markedly, reaching roughly 60% in 2000 a…

Read full answer & analysis →