Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-08
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 8.0)
The first table illustrates changes in the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000, while the other two tables compare the population of Manhattan with that of the other four districts over the same period.
Overall, New York City's population increased dramatically during the period. Although Manhattan contained the majority of the city's population in 1800 and 1900, its share declined substantially by 2000, while the other four districts became home to most of the city's residents.
New York City's total population rose from just 79,216 in 1800 to approximately 3.44 million in 1900. It then continued to increase, reaching just over 8 million by 2000. In 1800, Manhattan had a population of 60,515, accounting for 76% of the city's total, while the other four districts had a combined population of only 18,701, or 24%.
By 1900, the populations of both areas had grown considerably. Manhattan's population reached approximately 1.85 million, compared with 1.59 million in the other districts. Their shares of the total population were relatively close, at 54% and 46%, respectively. However, by 2000, Manhattan's population had fallen slightly to about 1.54 million, representing only 19% of New York City's population. In contrast, the combined population of the other districts rose sharply to around 6.47 million, accounting for the remaining 81%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the dramatic overall population growth and the significant shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. The inclusion of specific data points, such as the 76% share in 1800 versus the 19% share in 2000, provides excellent support for your observations. The overview is clear and captures the essence of the data without unnecessary detail. You have made relevant comparisons throughout, meeting the requirements for a high-level response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively by time period. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'although', 'in contrast', and 'respectively' are used naturally to link ideas and compare data points. The progression of information is smooth, moving from the general city-wide trend to the specific district-level analysis. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed supporting data, ensuring the reader can follow the argument without difficulty.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'declined substantially', 'accounted for', and 'rose sharply' are well-chosen and appropriate for an academic report. The use of 'representing' and 'combined population' shows a good command of descriptive language. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition, contributing to a professional and academic tone throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('Although Manhattan contained...', 'while the other four districts became...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You have successfully integrated statistical data into complex sentence structures without creating awkward phrasing. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the clarity of the writing is maintained throughout, reflecting a high level of accuracy and control.
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