Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-28

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 9.0)

The tables compare the population of New York City and its five districts in 1800, 1900 and 2000. They also show the proportions of residents living in Manhattan and the other four districts over the same period.

Overall, New York City’s population increased dramatically during the 200 years. Although Manhattan remained highly populated, its share of the total population declined considerably, while the combined population of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island became dominant by 2000.

In 1800, New York City had 79,216 residents. Manhattan contained 60,515 people, accounting for 76% of the total, whereas the other four districts had only 18,701 inhabitants, or 24%. By 1900, the city’s population had grown sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan’s population reached 1,850,093, representing 54%, while the remaining districts housed 1,587,109 residents, equivalent to 46%.

By 2000, the city’s population had risen further to 8,009,185. Manhattan’s population fell slightly to 1,538,096, reducing its share to 19%. In contrast, the combined population of the other districts increased substantially to 6,471,089, accounting for 81% of New York City’s residents overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly identified the main trends, such as the dramatic overall population growth and the significant shift in the proportion of residents from Manhattan to the other four districts. The data is accurately selected and reported, with clear comparisons made between the years 1800, 1900, and 2000. The inclusion of both absolute numbers and percentages demonstrates a strong analytical approach. The overview is concise and provides a clear summary of the key features, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data chronologically. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the use of cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'while', 'in contrast', and 'by 2000' is natural and effective. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the information flows logically from one point to the next. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'increased dramatically', 'grown sharply', 'declined considerably', and 'representing 54%' demonstrate a good level of precision. The vocabulary is used accurately and fits the context of describing statistical data well. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms for 'increased' or 'decreased' could further enhance the lexical variety, but the current usage is already very strong and natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('Although Manhattan remained highly populated, its share...') and participial phrases ('accounting for 76% of the total'). Punctuation is used accurately throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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