Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-19
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 7.5)
The tables illustrate changes in the population of New York City and its five districts in 1800, 1900 and 2000, with separate figures for Manhattan and the other four districts combined.
Overall, New York City's population increased dramatically over the 200-year period. However, while Manhattan initially accounted for the vast majority of the city's residents, its share declined substantially over time, whereas the other four districts became home to most of the population by 2000.
In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216. Of these residents, 60,515 lived in Manhattan, representing 76% of the total, while only 18,701 people, or 24%, lived in the other four districts. By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan's population increased to 1,850,093, although its share fell to 54%, compared with 46% in the other districts.
By 2000, the total population had reached just over 8 million. Manhattan's population decreased slightly to 1,538,096 and accounted for only 19% of the total. In contrast, the population of the other four districts rose significantly to 6,471,089, making up 81% of New York City's residents.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other districts. You have successfully selected and reported key data points to support your summary, 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 meets the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-structured with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data chronologically. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the general trend to specific historical snapshots. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', 'in contrast', and 'although' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the different districts. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis, ensuring the text is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'accounted for the vast majority', 'declined substantially', 'risen sharply', and 'in contrast' show a level of precision and flexibility. The vocabulary is used accurately to describe the trends in the data. While the range is sufficient, incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations related to statistical trends could elevate the response further, but the current usage is natural and error-free.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout the response. You effectively use subordinate clauses (e.g., 'while Manhattan initially accounted for...') and comparative structures to convey information clearly. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and the control over tense and sentence construction is consistent, reflecting a high level of proficiency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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