Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 illustrate changes in the population of New York City as a whole and its five districts—Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island—between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, New York City experienced a dramatic increase in population over the 200-year period. While Manhattan was the most populous district in the earlier years, the other districts, particularly Brooklyn and Queens, experienced substantial growth over time, resulting in a much more evenly distributed population by 2000.

The total population of New York City increased dramatically over the period. In 1800, the city had only 79,216 residents, of whom 60,515 lived in Manhattan, accounting for 76% of the total. By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202, while Manhattan's population reached 1,850,093, representing a smaller share of 54%. By 2000, the total population had more than doubled again to 8,009,185, although the number of people living in Manhattan had actually fallen to 1,538,096.

In contrast, the other four districts experienced substantial growth throughout the period. Collectively, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island had just 18,701 residents in 1800, equivalent to 24% of New York City's population. Their population then increased dramatically to 1,587,109 in 1900, when they accounted for 46% of the city's total. By 2000, this figure had soared to 6,471,089, representing 81% of the population. Thus, while Manhattan's share declined considerably, the other four districts became home to the vast majority of New York City's residents.

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 shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. You have selected relevant data points to support these trends, including the specific percentages for 1800, 1900, and 2000. The comparison between Manhattan and the collective 'other' districts is well-handled and provides a clear summary of the data. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is accurately reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized. You start with a clear introduction, followed by a concise overview, and then move into two body paragraphs that group the data logically (total population vs. district breakdown). The use of cohesive devices such as 'While,' 'In contrast,' 'Collectively,' and 'Thus' is natural and effective. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general overview from the detailed analysis, ensuring a smooth progression of ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'dramatic increase,' 'substantial growth,' 'sharply to,' and 'soared to' show a high level of lexical control. You use terminology appropriate for a data-driven task, such as 'accounting for,' 'representing a smaller share,' and 'equating to.' The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is highly accurate. You use a variety of complex structures, such as subordinate clauses ('of whom 60,515 lived in Manhattan') and contrastive structures ('while Manhattan's share declined considerably, the other four districts became...'). Punctuation is used correctly to manage long sentences, and there are no noticeable errors in tense or agreement. The control over sentence structure is consistent and supports the overall clarity of the writing.

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