Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-07

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)

Here's a **Band 7** IELTS Academic Task 1 answer. It is clear, well-organized, and uses vocabulary that is realistic for a Band 7.

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The tables compare the population of New York City and show how this population was distributed between Manhattan and the other four districts in 1800, 1900, and 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the 200-year period. While Manhattan accounted for the majority of the population in the early years, its share declined considerably by 2000. In contrast, the other four districts experienced substantial growth and became home to most of the city's residents.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216 people. Of these, 60,515 people lived in Manhattan, representing 76% of the total population, while only 18,701 residents lived in the other districts, accounting for the remaining 24%.

By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan remained the most populated district with 1,850,093 residents, although its proportion fell to 54%. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts grew significantly to 1,587,109, making up 46% of the city's total.

In 2000, New York City's population reached 8,009,185. However, Manhattan's population declined to 1,538,096, accounting for just 19% of the total. By contrast, the combined population of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island increased dramatically to 6,471,089, representing 81% of all residents.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

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 distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. The data is well-selected, with accurate comparisons made between the years 1800, 1900, and 2000. The inclusion of percentages to support the raw figures demonstrates a strong analytical approach. The overview is concise and highlights the key features successfully, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a clear summary of the data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction and overview to chronological analysis of the data. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'By contrast' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the different districts. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly, making the report easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the trends.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'accounted for the majority', 'declined considerably', and 'risen sharply' show a level of precision and flexibility. The use of 'proportion' and 'combined population' adds to the academic tone. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it remains within a standard range. To reach the highest bands, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptive language, but the current usage is precise and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('While Manhattan accounted for...', 'although its proportion fell to...'). The punctuation is accurate throughout, and there are no noticeable errors in tense or subject-verb agreement. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, which is well-suited for this type of task.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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