Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-02
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 7.5)
The tables illustrate how the population in New York changed between 1800 and 2000, and how it was distributed in Manhattan and four other districts ( Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.
Overall, the population of New York grew dramatically over the two centuries. while distribution in Manhattan showed a prominent reduction in population reaching the lowest in proportions. On the other hand, other districts represented an increase in population becoming dominant by 2000.
In 1800, New York had a population of 79,216. At this time, Manhattan had highest number of population accounting for 60,515, or 76% while other divisions constituted 24%.
By 1900, population in New York rose significantly to 3,437,202. Although, Manhattan population grew as well (1,850,093), it contributed about 54% as other districts showed a rise in population to 46%.
Looking in 2000, population in New York had a substantial growth reaching over 8 million. Manhattan population reduced significantly to 19% making it least in proportion, whereas, other districts surged to 81% reaching 6,471,089.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the population changes in New York City and its districts. You selected key data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 to illustrate the shift from Manhattan-centric growth to the dominance of the other four districts. The comparison between the total population and the percentage distribution is well-handled. To reach a higher band, ensure you explicitly mention all five districts by name or group them more precisely, as the prompt asks for information regarding the five districts specifically. Overall, the response is accurate and covers all requirements of the task effectively.
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. You use cohesive devices such as 'In 1800', 'By 1900', and 'On the other hand' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. The referencing of the data is clear, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'dramatically', 'prominent reduction', 'constituted', and 'surged'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'making it least in proportion' and 'Looking in 2000', which are slightly unnatural. However, these do not impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing when describing trends. The vocabulary used is adequate for the task and allows for a clear presentation of the statistical data provided in the tables.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Although, Manhattan population grew as well... it contributed about 54%'. There are some grammatical slips, such as missing articles ('Manhattan had highest number') and punctuation errors (the comma after 'Although'). Despite these occasional errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not hinder the reader's understanding. To achieve a higher score, focus on consistent article usage and refining the punctuation of complex sentences to ensure they are error-free.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.