Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10

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 8.5)

The tables illustrate population growth in New York City as a whole, alongside a comparison between Manhattan and the remaining four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) across three centuries: 1800, 1900, and 2000.

Overall, New York City experienced substantial population growth over the 200-year period. While Manhattan initially dominated the city's overall population, its demographic weight shifted dramatically toward the other districts by 2000.

In 1800, the total population stood at 79,216, with Manhattan accounting for 76% (60,515 residents) and the other districts holding just 24% (18,701 residents). By 1900, the overall population surged to over 3.4 million. Although Manhattan’s population rose sharply to 1,850,093, its share dropped to 54%, while the other districts surged to 1,587,109 (46%).

By 2000, New York City reached 8,009,185 residents. However, Manhattan saw its population decline to 1,538,096, reducing its city share to 19%. In contrast, the remaining districts expanded significantly to 6,471,089, representing 81% of the total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main trends and provided a logical overview of the population shifts. You successfully selected key data points to support your summary, such as the percentage shifts between Manhattan and the other districts. The comparison is well-integrated, and you have covered all parts of the task by addressing the total population and the specific district breakdowns across the three time periods. The information is accurate and effectively highlights the significant demographic transition from 1800 to 2000.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction sets the context, the second paragraph provides the overview, and the subsequent paragraphs detail the data chronologically. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'In contrast', and 'Although' are used naturally and effectively to link ideas and contrast the different districts. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'demographic weight shifted dramatically', 'initially dominated', and 'expanded significantly' show a sophisticated command of language. The use of terminology is accurate, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the task of describing statistical trends. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and fluent throughout the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the concessive clauses in the second and third paragraphs, with high accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are handled with full flexibility. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication or detract from the professional tone of the report.

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