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 first table provides the total number of population of five boroughs in New York City between 1800 and 2000, while the second and third tables illustrate the movements of the population on the same districts over the same time period.
Overall, the proportion of population significantly increased in New York City, whereas, other other districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) accounted for the rise of population in 2000 . Despite the upward trend, Manhattan's population declined tremendously and reached its lowest point at the end of the period.
Regarding the total population, New York City's population started at 79,216 people in 1800. This figure rose to 3.4 million in 1900 and it reached its highest population at 8,0009,185 million in 2000.
In terms of the percentage of total population in each districts, Manhattan accounted for the 76% of the total distribution of people in 1800. However, this proportion dropped significantly 54% in 1900 and plummeted by 19% in 2000, placing it as the least populated borough in New Tork City. Meanwhile, the rest of the four districts (Brooklyn. Bronx, Queens, and Stated Island) started at 24% in 1800 to 46% in 1900. The total population boomed at 81% in 2000, making it the most populated boroughs in New York City.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response covers all parts of the task, providing a clear overview and selecting key data points from the tables. You successfully identified the main trend: the significant growth of the total population alongside the shifting distribution between Manhattan and the other four boroughs. However, there are some inaccuracies in data reporting, such as the figure '8,0009,185 million' which is confusing and contains a typo. Additionally, stating Manhattan 'plummeted by 19%' is slightly ambiguous; it would be clearer to state it fell to 19%. Despite these minor issues, the main features are well-highlighted and the comparison between the districts is effectively managed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized into four paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on total population and distribution respectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Meanwhile', and 'However' are used to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of ideas. While the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is functional, the flow could be improved by ensuring that the referencing of the 'other four districts' is consistent throughout the text. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'proportion', 'distribution', 'plummeted', and 'boomed'. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'New Tork' and 'Stated Island' (instead of Staten Island). The phrase 'movements of the population' is slightly unnatural in this context; 'population trends' or 'demographic shifts' would be more precise. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the occasional inaccuracies do not impede communication, and the range is adequate for the task requirements.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'number of population' (should be 'total population') and 'each districts' (should be 'each district'). The sentence 'the proportion of population significantly increased in New York City, whereas, other other districts...' contains a repetition error and unnecessary punctuation. However, these errors are generally non-systematic and do not prevent the reader from understanding the data. You show a good attempt at using complex structures, though further attention to subject-verb agreement and pluralization would improve the accuracy of your writing.
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