Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-30
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 table provides data on the changes in the share of total population across five districts in New York City from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, in 1800, Manhattan was the most populated region, whereas the numbers in other cities were significantly lower. Population increased over the period, but the proportion of total population decresed in Manhattan, while the percentage grew rapidly in other cities.
In detail, New York City's total population was 79,216 in 1800 and 76% of these people lived in Manhattan, whereas the other 24% resides in other four districts. The number of people in New York went up to 3,437,202 in 1900. Manhattan was responsible for 54% of the total population and the rest of 46% lived in other four regions.
The population went up rapidly to 8,009,185 in 21st century, but the share of Manhattan in the total population of the city decreased to just 19% and the percentage of total population rose to 81% in the other four districts.
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 covers all parts of the task by identifying the main trends in total population and the shifting proportions across the five districts. You successfully highlighted the contrast between Manhattan's declining share and the growth in other areas. However, the analysis could be improved by providing more specific comparisons between the individual districts (e.g., noting that Brooklyn or Queens grew to overtake Manhattan). While the main features are clear, the report feels slightly brief in its analytical depth. To reach a higher band, ensure you explicitly compare the data points rather than just listing them chronologically, and ensure all figures are accurately transcribed from the provided tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general trends from the specific data points. Cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'overall', and 'in detail' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother, and some referencing is slightly repetitive. The flow is generally good, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'significantly', and 'responsible for'. There are some minor errors, such as 'decresed' (spelling) and 'resides' (incorrect tense/agreement). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' and ensure that collocations are used accurately. The current range is sufficient for a Band 6, but more precise academic terminology would elevate the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'the other 24% resides' (should be 'resided') and 'in 21st century' (missing article 'the'). Additionally, 'the rest of 46%' is slightly awkward phrasing. While these errors are present, they do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout. To achieve a higher band, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. The variety of structures is acceptable, but more complex sentence forms could be used with greater accuracy.
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