How do I deal with a graph that has future predictions?

Report the historical part in past tenses and the projected part with future forms ("is expected to", "is forecast to reach"). Make clear which figures are predictions, and mention in the overview that the trend continues into the future.

Should I describe every country separately?

It is usually cleaner to group them — for example, the highest performers together and the lowest together, or those that rise smoothly versus erratically. This model pairs Malaysia with the Philippines and Thailand with Indonesia, which keeps the comparisons tight.

How many figures should I quote?

Enough to support your comparisons, not every point. Quoting the start value, the end/projected value and any notable turning point (like the Philippines peaking in 1990) is ideal. A wall of numbers with no selection lowers the score.

How long should a Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; a band-9 answer is usually 170–200. This model is 192 words, enough to cover all four countries and the projections without padding. Aim to finish Task 1 in about 20 minutes.

Academic Task 1

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Urban Population Line Graph (Band 9 Sample)

This Academic Task 1 asks you to summarise a line graph showing the percentage of people living in cities in four Asian countries from 1970, with projections to 2040. A band-9 response gives a clear overview and reports the key figures and comparisons accurately, including the future predictions. Below is a model answer of roughly 190 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.

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01 · The task

The graph below shows the percentage of the population living in cities in four Asian countries — the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia — from 1970, with predictions for 2040. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

A line graph showing the percentage of the total population living in cities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia at ten-year intervals from 1970 to 2040 (the later years being projections).

02 · Band 9 sample answer

192 words · Band 9

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Urban Population Line Graph (Band 9 Sample)

01 · The task

02 · Band 9 sample answer

03 · Why this scores Band 9

04 · Useful collocations for this task

05 · Frequently asked questions