Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-27

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 9.0)

The tables illustrate changes in the population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. They also compare the population of Manhattan with that of the other four districts combined, namely Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.

Overall, New York City experienced a dramatic increase in its total population over the 200-year period. While Manhattan accounted for the majority of the city's residents in 1800 and 1900, its proportion declined considerably, and by 2000, most New Yorkers were living in the other four districts.

In 1800, the total population of New York City was only 79,216. Of these residents, 60,515 lived in Manhattan, representing 76% of the city's population. By comparison, the other four districts had a combined population of just 18,701, or 24% of the total.

By 1900, the city's population had risen dramatically to 3,437,202. Manhattan remained the most populated area, with 1,850,093 residents, accounting for 54% of the total. Meanwhile, the combined population of the other districts increased substantially to 1,587,109, representing 46%.

By 2000, New York City's total population had reached 8,009,185. However, Manhattan's population had fallen moderately to 1,538,096, reducing its share to only 19%. In contrast, the population of the other four districts rose sharply to 6,471,089, which represented 81% of the city's total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent and fully addresses the task requirements. You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear comparison between Manhattan and the other four districts over the 200-year period. The data is accurately selected and presented, with clear supporting figures for each time interval (1800, 1900, and 2000). The overview is concise and effectively highlights the significant shift in population distribution. By calculating the percentages, you have added value to the raw data, which demonstrates a high level of analytical skill required for a Band 8 or 9 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the introduction to the overview, and then chronologically through the data. Cohesive devices such as 'By comparison,' 'Meanwhile,' and 'In contrast' are used effectively to link ideas and highlight the differences between the two groups of districts. The paragraphing is skillful, and the information flows naturally from one point to the next without any confusion for the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'dramatic increase,' 'accounted for the majority,' 'declined considerably,' and 'rose sharply' are used appropriately to describe the data trends. The vocabulary is varied and sophisticated, fitting the academic tone of the task perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is both accurate and flexible throughout the entire response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('representing 76% of the city's population') and contrastive clauses ('While Manhattan accounted for... its proportion declined'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of the text. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the overall structure is highly professional and accurate.

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