Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-13
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 tables provide information about the population of New York City and compare the population of Manhattan with that of the other four districts in 1800, 1900 and 2000.
Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the 200-year period. However, Manhattan’s share of the total population declined considerably, while the proportion living in the other districts increased.
In 1800, New York City had a population of 79,216, of which 60,515 people lived in Manhattan. This represented 76% of the total population, while the other districts accounted for only 18,701 people, or 24%.
By 1900, the city’s population had risen to 3,437,202. Manhattan’s population also increased substantially to 1,850,093, although its share fell to 54%. In contrast, the population of the other districts reached approximately 1.59 million, representing 46% of the total.
By 2000, the city’s population had grown to 8,009,185. Manhattan’s population decreased slightly to 1,538,096, and its share fell sharply to just 19%. Meanwhile, the other districts contained about 6.47 million people, accounting for 81% of the city’s population.
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 clearly identified the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shifting distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. The selection of data is accurate, and the comparisons between the years and the specific districts are well-supported by the provided figures. You have successfully highlighted the key feature of Manhattan's declining share of the total population compared to the growth in the other districts. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the main developments over the 200-year period, meeting the requirements for a high-band response.
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. Each paragraph focuses on a specific time period, which makes the information easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'By 1900' are used effectively to link ideas and guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the analysis. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the total population and the district-specific data is clearly articulated throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information precisely. Phrases such as 'declined considerably', 'increased substantially', and 'fell sharply' demonstrate a good command of descriptive language suitable for reporting data. The terminology is accurate and appropriate for an academic task. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, it remains within the expected range for this type of task. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is consistently precise throughout the report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, effectively. For example, the use of subordinate clauses in '...of which 60,515 people lived in Manhattan' and '...although its share fell to 54%' shows good control. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the report, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.
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