Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-17

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 the population of New York City and compare the populations of Manhattan and the other four boroughs in 1800, 1900 and 2000.

Overall, New York City's total population increased dramatically over the period. Although Manhattan's population reached its highest level in 1900 before declining slightly, the other four boroughs experienced remarkable growth and became the dominant residential area by 2000.

The total population rose significantly from 79,216 in 1800 to 3,437,202 in 1900, before reaching a peak of 8,009,185 in 2000. Manhattan's population increased sharply from 60,515 to 1,850,093 between 1800 and 1900, but then fell moderately to 1,538,096 in 2000. Consequently, its share of the city's population declined steadily from 76% to 54% and finally to just 19%.

By contrast, the population of the other four boroughs grew continuously, rising from only 18,701 in 1800 to 1,587,109 in 1900 and then surging to 6,471,089 in 2000. Their proportion of the total population also increased considerably, from 24% to 46% and ultimately 81%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the dramatic overall population growth and the shifting demographic balance between Manhattan and the other four boroughs. You have effectively selected key data points to support your observations, such as the peak population figures and the percentage shifts. The comparison between Manhattan and the other boroughs is clear and well-integrated throughout the report. You have fully addressed all parts of the task, providing a concise overview and supporting details that accurately reflect the provided tables.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs that group information effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the general city-wide trend to specific comparisons. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'Consequently', and 'By contrast' are used naturally and accurately to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'increased dramatically', 'declining slightly', 'remarkable growth', and 'surging to' demonstrate a sophisticated ability to describe data trends. The use of 'proportion' and 'dominant residential area' shows a good command of academic register. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the task of summarizing statistical data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as the 'Although...' construction in the second paragraph and the '...before reaching...' structure in the third. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and sentence structure is consistent, making the text easy and professional to read.

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