Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-16

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 provide information about changes in the population of New York City as a whole and the populations of Manhattan and the other four districts between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the 200-year period. However, while Manhattan accounted for the majority of the city's population in 1800, its share declined considerably by 2000. In contrast, the other four districts experienced substantial growth and became home to most of the city's residents.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of only 79,216. Manhattan was the largest district, with 60,515 people, representing 76% of the city's population. The other four districts together contained just 18,701 people, or 24% of the total.

By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan's population increased significantly to 1,850,093, although its proportion of the total fell to 54%. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts grew much more rapidly, reaching 1,587,109, which accounted for 46% of the city's population.

In 2000, New York City's population reached 8,009,185. Interestingly, Manhattan's population decreased slightly from 1900 to 1,538,096, and its share fell dramatically to just 19%. By comparison, the other four districts continued to grow rapidly, reaching 6,471,089 people, or 81% of the city's total population.

Overall, the main trend was a major shift in population away from Manhattan towards Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island, while the total population of the city increased enormously.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have clearly 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. You have selected relevant data points to support these trends, including the percentages for 1800, 1900, and 2000. The comparison between Manhattan and the other districts is well-integrated throughout the report. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is presented in a logical, analytical manner that fully satisfies the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a well-defined 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 comparison' are used effectively to link ideas and highlight contrasts between the districts. The paragraphing is skillful, and the progression of information from the general trend to specific data points is seamless and coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'accounted for the majority', 'declined considerably', 'risen sharply', and 'major shift' demonstrate a sophisticated command of language suitable for an academic report. The word choices are accurate and enhance the clarity of the data description. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition while maintaining a formal, objective tone throughout the entire response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and accurate use of comparative structures. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The use of participial phrases and varied sentence beginnings contributes to a fluent and professional writing style. There are no grammatical slips, and the accuracy is maintained throughout the text.

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