Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-12

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 provided tables illustrate the dramatic growth in New York City's total population and trace how these residents were distributed across its five districts—Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island—from 1800 to 2000. Overall, New York City experienced an immense population boom over the 200-year period. Furthermore, a major demographic shift occurred as Manhattan lost its initial overwhelming dominance, with the other four districts expanding rapidly to house the vast majority of the city's population by the end of the timeline. In 1800, the city's total population stood at a modest 79,216. Manhattan was the undisputed center, accounting for 76% of all residents with 60,515 individuals. By contrast, the remaining four districts combined housed only 18,701 people, representing a mere 24% share. By 1900, the total population had surged over forty-fold to 3,437,202. While Manhattan reached its absolute peak at 1,850,093 residents, its relative share dropped significantly to 54%. Concurrently, the outer districts experienced explosive growth, with their combined headcount climbing to 1,587,109, which closed the gap to 46% of the total. By 2000, New York City’s population more than doubled to reach 8,009,185. At this final point, Manhattan's population actually declined to 1,538,096, reducing its share to just 19%. In stark contrast, the other four districts boomed to a combined 6,471,089 residents, capturing a dominant 81% majority of the city's total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main trends, specifically the overall population growth and the significant demographic shift from Manhattan to the outer districts. You have selected key data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 to illustrate these changes effectively. The comparison between Manhattan and the combined outer districts is well-handled and provides a clear analytical overview. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is accurately reported with relevant supporting figures. The overview is clear and sets the tone for the rest of the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a well-structured overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'By contrast', 'Concurrently', and 'In stark contrast' are used naturally to link ideas and highlight comparisons. The paragraphing is logical, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; the progression of ideas is seamless and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have demonstrated a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'undisputed center', 'surged over forty-fold', 'explosive growth', and 'capturing a dominant 81% majority' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and contextually appropriate for an academic report. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and varied, which is characteristic of a high-band response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. You have effectively used participial phrases ('accounting for 76% of all residents'), comparative structures, and varied sentence lengths to maintain interest. Punctuation is used correctly to manage complex information. There are no grammatical errors, and the control over tense and aspect is perfect for describing historical data. The accuracy is consistent throughout the entire response.

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