Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The first table below shows changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables show changes in the population of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.

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

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The tables illustrate the changes in the population of New York City as a total and the distribution of residents between Manhattan and the other four districts from 1800 to 2000. Overall, New York City’s population increased dramatically over the period, while Manhattan’s share of the total population declined considerebly as the outer districts experienced much greater growth

In 1800, the vast majority of New York City’s population, which stood at 79,216, lived in Manhattan. The district had 60,515 resident, accounting for 76% of the total, compared with just 18,710 people, or 24%, in the other boroughs. Over the following century, however, this distribution became considerably more balanced. By 1900, Manhattan’s population had risen to 1,850,093, although its share of the city’s total had fallen to 54%.

In comparison, the outer districts accounted for 46%, with a combined population of 1,587,109. The city’s total population had also increased dramatically to 3,437,202.

This trend became even more noticeable between 1900 and 2000. Although, Manhattan’s population declined slightly to 1,538,096, its share of the city’s total fell sharply to just 19%. By contrast, the outer districts experienced substantial growth, reaching a combined population of 6,471,089 and estimation for 81% of the total. Consequently, New York City’s overall population more than doubled during this period, reaching 8,009,185, in the end of the period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively addresses the task by summarizing the main trends in New York City's population growth and the shifting distribution between Manhattan and the outer districts. You have successfully identified the key features, such as the dramatic overall increase and the inverse relationship between Manhattan's declining share and the outer districts' growth. The data is accurately reported, and the comparisons are relevant and well-supported by the figures provided. The overview is clear and sets the stage for the detailed analysis that follows. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are transcribed with absolute precision, as there were minor discrepancies in the figures provided compared to the source.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary of the trends. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving chronologically from 1800 to 1900 and then to 2000. Cohesive devices such as 'In comparison,' 'By contrast,' and 'Consequently' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the different districts. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time periods, which helps the reader follow the narrative of the population shifts. The flow is natural, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'distribution,' 'accounted for,' 'noticeable,' and 'substantial growth' appropriately. There are a few minor spelling errors, such as 'considerebly' (considerably) and 'resident' (residents), and a slight collocation error with 'estimation for 81%' (which should be 'accounting for' or 'representing'). Despite these minor slips, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information with precision and flexibility. The use of academic language is consistent with the requirements of an IELTS Task 1 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have successfully used subordinate clauses, such as 'although its share of the city’s total had fallen to 54%,' to add complexity. While there are a few minor grammatical errors, such as the unnecessary comma after 'Although' and the preposition error 'in the end of the period' (which should be 'at the end'), these do not impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense is generally strong.

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