Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-25
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 7.0)
The first table illustrates modifications in the total population in New York City, whereas changes in the population in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island are discussed in the second and third tables between 1800 and 2000.
Overall, total population, combining all five districts, gradually increased in New York City. Manhattan experienced a massive over the year, while Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island showed steady increase.
In 1800, the total population in the city was 79,216, where Manhattan consisted 76% of the total population, whereas other districts 24%. In 1900, the population in New York City rose to 3,437,202; Manhattan accounted for 54% of the total population, whereas Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island 46%.
In 2000, although the population surged to 8,009,185, the percentage of individuals living in Manhattan dropped to 19%, which is 35% less than 1900. On the other side, proportion of people living in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island increased by 45% compared to 1900.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response successfully identifies the main trends in the data, specifically the overall population growth and the shift in distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. You have selected key data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 to support your summary. However, the analysis is slightly limited; while you mention the percentage shifts, you could have provided more detail on the specific population figures for the other districts to fully illustrate the 'main features' as requested. The overview is clear, but the report would benefit from a more nuanced comparison of the growth rates between the different time periods.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from the general city-wide trend to specific district comparisons. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'although', and 'on the other side' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing of the 'other districts' as a single group could be more precise. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis, which helps the reader follow the information easily.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modifications', 'surged', and 'proportion'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'massive over the year' (which is grammatically incomplete and unclear) and 'consisted 76% of' (should be 'consisted of 76%' or 'accounted for 76%'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and comparative adjectives would enhance the quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as the missing noun after 'massive' in the second paragraph and the awkward phrasing 'whereas other districts 24%'. Additionally, there are minor punctuation and preposition issues, such as the double space after 'population' in the first sentence. Despite these errors, the meaning is generally clear, and the mistakes do not impede communication. To improve, focus on ensuring that all clauses have a clear subject and verb, and pay closer attention to sentence-level accuracy.
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