Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

The three tables illustrate the total population growth of New York City from 1800 to 2000, alongside a breakdown comparing Manhattan to the other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) over the same 200-year period.

Overall, New York City experienced a dramatic population expansion over the two centuries. Crucially, while Manhattan initially contained the vast majority of the city's inhabitants, its relative share decreased significantly over time as the combined population of the other four districts grew to dominate the total.

In terms of total population, New York City recorded 79,216 residents in 1800. This figure increased rapidly over the next century to reach 3,437,202 in 1900, before more than doubling to end at 8,009,185 by 2000.

Regarding district distribution, Manhattan held 60,515 people in 1800, representing 76% of the city’s overall population. Although its population rose to 1,850,093 in 1900, its share fell to 54%. By 2000, Manhattan’s population dropped slightly to 1,538,096, accounting for just 19% of the total. Conversely, the remaining four districts combined grew from 18,701 residents (24%) in 1800 to 1,587,109 (46%) in 1900, eventually surging to 6,471,089 (81%) in 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the significant shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. You have selected relevant data points to support these trends, such as the specific percentages in 1800, 1900, and 2000. The comparison between Manhattan and the combined total of the other districts is handled logically and accurately. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the overview provides a clear summary of the key developments over the 200-year period.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is well-structured and easy to follow. Each paragraph has a clear purpose: the introduction sets the context, the second paragraph provides an overview, and the final two paragraphs detail the specific data. Cohesive devices such as 'Crucially', 'In terms of', 'Although', and 'Conversely' are used effectively to link ideas and signal shifts in focus. The progression of information is logical, moving from the general city-wide trend to the specific district-level breakdown.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'dramatic population expansion', 'vast majority', 'relative share', and 'surging' are used accurately and naturally. The terminology is precise, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied descriptors for the data, which contributes to the professional tone of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing exhibits a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex structures, including subordinate clauses ('while Manhattan initially contained...', 'although its population rose...') and participial phrases ('representing 76% of the city’s overall population'). The sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over tense and numerical data is precise, ensuring that the information is conveyed clearly and accurately.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.