IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Urban Population in Asia
The Task:
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.
Write at least 150 words.
Percentage of the population living in cities
Task 1
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Band 9 Model Answer
The provided line graph compares the percentage of people living in urban areas in four Asian nations (the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia) between 1970 and 2020, with projected figures up to the year 2040.
Overall, it is evident that all four countries have experienced an upward trend in urbanization, a pattern that is forecast to continue over the next two decades. Notably, Malaysia has seen the most dramatic increase and is expected to remain the most urbanized of the four, while Thailand consistently shows the lowest proportion of city dwellers.
In 1970, the Philippines and Malaysia had the highest urban populations, both at approximately 30%, while Thailand and Indonesia stood at roughly 20% and 15% respectively. Over the subsequent 50 years, Malaysia’s urban population surged remarkably, reaching nearly 75% by 2020. Similarly, Indonesia experienced rapid urbanization after 1990, overtaking both Thailand and the Philippines to reach approximately 50% by 2020.
The Philippines, however, saw a much more fluctuating trend; its urban population peaked at 50% in 1990 before dropping back to 40% in 2010, and then recovering slightly to 45% by 2020. Thailand’s growth was much more gradual, reaching just under 30% by 2020. Looking to the future, the percentage of city residents is predicted to rise across all four nations. By 2040, Malaysia is forecast to peak at over 80%, followed by Indonesia at over 60%. The Philippines and Thailand are expected to trail behind, reaching approximately 55% and 45% respectively.
💡 Why this is a Band 9 Answer:
- Task Achievement: The answer perfectly summarizes the graph, completely replacing the broken English of the original draft. The overview clearly highlights the overarching upward trend, identifies the highest country (Malaysia), and points out the lowest (Thailand).
- Coherence & Cohesion: Paragraphs are logically organized by grouping similar data points. The flow moves seamlessly from the overview to past historical data (1970-2020), and dedicates the final sentences to the future projections.
- Lexical Resource: Uses precise, advanced vocabulary appropriate for describing statistical trends (upward trend in urbanization, forecast to continue, surged remarkably, fluctuating trend, projected figures).
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Employs a superb mix of complex sentence structures flawlessly while maintaining highly accurate phrasing (“Notably, Malaysia has seen the most dramatic increase and is expected to remain the most urbanized of the four…”).
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IELTS Academic Writing Task 2: The Aim of Science
The Task:
The most important aim of science should be to improve people’s lives.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Write at least 250 words.
Task 2
Band 9 Model Essay
In contemporary society, the rapid advancement of scientific research requires vast amounts of funding and intellectual effort. Consequently, a debate has emerged regarding the primary purpose of these endeavors. I strongly agree that the most important aim of science should be the improvement of human life, as prioritizing human well-being ensures that technological progress serves a moral purpose and addresses critical global challenges.
The most compelling reason for science to prioritize human welfare is the immediate, life-saving impact of applied research. Throughout history, scientific breakthroughs in medicine and agriculture have exponentially improved global living standards. For instance, the discovery of penicillin, the development of vaccines, and the creation of high-yield, drought-resistant crops have eradicated diseases and prevented mass starvation. When science is explicitly directed toward solving human problems, it acts as the most powerful tool available for alleviating suffering and extending life expectancy. If the ultimate goal of science were merely the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, without a focus on practical application, millions of people would be denied these life-altering benefits.
Furthermore, even abstract or theoretical scientific explorations should ultimately aim to benefit humanity, even if the applications are not immediately obvious. While disciplines such as astrophysics or theoretical quantum mechanics may initially seem disconnected from daily life, they consistently yield incredibly practical spin-off technologies. For example, the space race of the 20th century was fundamentally an exploration of the cosmos, but the necessity to sustain human life in space led to the invention of water purification systems, GPS technology, and advanced medical imaging devices like MRI machines. Therefore, the overarching objective of all scientific inquiry, no matter how theoretical, should always be tethered to the eventual betterment of society.
In conclusion, while the pursuit of pure knowledge is inherently valuable, I firmly believe that the supreme objective of science must be to improve people’s lives. By focusing research and innovation on solving real-world problems and enhancing human health, the scientific community fulfills its most vital moral obligation to global society.
💡 Why this is a Band 9 Answer:
- Task Response: The essay perfectly addresses the prompt. It clearly states a strong agreement in the introduction, thoroughly defends why applied science is vital (medicine, agriculture), and gracefully argues that even theoretical science ultimately benefits humanity (spin-off tech).
- Coherence & Cohesion: The essay utilizes a highly effective four-paragraph structure. Transition phrases guide the reader effortlessly through the complex arguments (Consequently, The most compelling reason, Furthermore, Therefore, In conclusion).
- Lexical Resource: Showcases an exceptional, sophisticated vocabulary suited for a philosophical and sociological discursive essay (intellectual effort, applied research, exponentially improved, abstract or theoretical scientific explorations, spin-off technologies, moral obligation).
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: Uses a wide variety of complex grammatical structures perfectly, creating a highly persuasive, authoritative, and academic tone.
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