Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-21

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 8.0)

The tables illustrates the growth of total population of New York city between 1800 to 2000, along with how this population was distributed between Manhattan and the city's four other districts over the same period.

Overall, the population of New York city grew dramatically over two century period, while Manhattan accounted for the vast majority of residents in 1800, this proportion reversed dramatically by 2000, with the other four districts becoming home to the large majority of the city's population.

The total population of New York City rose sharply throughout the period, from 79,216 in 1800 to over 3.4 million by 1900, before more than doubling again to reach approximately 8 million by 2000. Manhattan's population followed a similar upward trend in absolute terms, growing from 60,515 to a peak of 1,850,093 in 1900, before declining slightly to 1,538,096 by 2000. However, as a proportion of the total, Manhattan's share fell consistently throughout the period, from 76% in 1800 to 54% in 1900, and down to just 19% by 2000.

In contrast, the combined population of the other four districts increased dramatically both in absolute numbers and as a proportion of the total. Starting from just 18,701 residents, or 24% of the population, in 1800, this figure rose to 1,587,109 (46%) by 1900, before surging to 6,471,089, accounting for 81% of the city's total population by 2000. This represents a complete reversal of the 1800 distribution, when Manhattan was overwhelmingly dominant.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main trends and provided a logical comparison between Manhattan and the other districts. The use of data to support your points is precise, and the overview effectively captures the significant shift in population distribution over the two-century period. You have addressed all parts of the task, and the information is well-selected and reported accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the introduction to the overview, and then to detailed body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'However', and 'while' are used effectively to link ideas and create a smooth flow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the total population trends from the specific district comparisons.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary that is used with precision and natural control. Phrases like 'accounted for the vast majority', 'upward trend in absolute terms', and 'complete reversal' show a sophisticated command of language. There is a high level of accuracy in word choice and collocation throughout the response, which contributes to the clarity and professional tone of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentence forms, such as the participial phrase 'accounting for 81% of the city's total population' and the contrastive structure 'while Manhattan accounted for... this proportion reversed'. There are very few errors; for instance, 'The tables illustrates' should be 'The tables illustrate', but this is a minor slip that does not impede communication.

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

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