Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-24
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 7.0)
The three tables represents changes in the overall population of New York City and compare the population between Manhattan and the other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) in 1800, 1900, and 2000.
Overall, New York City experienced massive population growth across the two centuries. Furthermore, a significant population shift occurred, with Manhattan initially having the vast majority of residents before being overtaken by the other cities.
In 1800, the total population of New York City was 79,216, of which 76% (60,515 people) resided in Manhattan, while the remaining 24% (18,701 people) lived in the other districts. By 1900, the total population had increased to 3,437,202. Although Manhattan’s population rose suddenly to 1,850,093, its share of the total dropped to 54%. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts grew considerably to 1,587,109, nearly for 46%.
By 2000, New York City's overall population reached 8,009,185. At this point, Manhattan’s population dropped to 1,538,096, holding just 19% of the total. In contrast, the combined population of the other four districts rose to 6,471,089, occupying 81% of the total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shift in distribution from Manhattan to the other districts. The data is well-selected, and the comparisons between the years and the districts are clear and relevant. The overview provides a concise summary of the key features, which is essential for a high band score. You have accurately extracted the figures and presented them in a logical manner, ensuring the reader can easily follow the historical changes in New York City's demographics.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In 1800', 'By 1900', and 'In contrast', to guide the reader through the chronological data. The information is logically sequenced, and the paragraphing is appropriate for an academic report. The flow of information is smooth, and there is a clear relationship between the sentences and the overall structure of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information accurately. Phrases like 'experienced massive population growth', 'significant population shift', and 'holding just 19% of the total' demonstrate a good command of language. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choice is generally precise. While there is a minor error in the phrase 'nearly for 46%', which is slightly awkward, it does not impede communication. Overall, the vocabulary is appropriate for an academic task and shows a good level of flexibility.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the control over grammar and punctuation is generally strong. There is a minor subject-verb agreement error in the first sentence ('The three tables represents'), which should be 'represent'. However, this is a minor slip and does not detract from the overall clarity of the writing. The use of complex structures, such as the participial phrase 'holding just 19% of the total', is handled well and adds to the sophistication of the response.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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