Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

The tables illustrate changes in the population of New York City as a whole and in Manhattan and the other four districts between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, New York City's population increased dramatically over the period, rising from just under 80,000 to more than 8 million. However, Manhattan's share of the total population declined substantially, while the other four districts became increasingly dominant. Notably, Manhattan's population itself fell between 1900 and 2000.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216, of whom 60,515 lived in Manhattan. Thus, Manhattan accounted for 76% of the city's population, compared with only 24% (18,701 people) living in the other four districts combined. By 1900, the city's population had surged to 3,437,202. Manhattan's population had also risen considerably to 1,850,093, although its proportion had fallen to 54%. During the same year, the other districts contained 1,587,109 inhabitants, representing 46% of the total.

By 2000, the overall population had reached 8,009,185. In contrast to the citywide growth, Manhattan's population decreased to 1,538,096, and its share dropped sharply to just 19%. The remaining four districts experienced substantial growth, reaching 6,471,089 residents and accounting for 81% of New York City's population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shifting demographic balance between Manhattan and the other four districts. You have selected key data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 to support your summary, and the comparisons made between the districts are relevant and accurate. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the most significant changes. You have fully addressed all parts of the task, and the information is well-supported by the provided data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis. Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Notably', 'In contrast to', and 'By 2000' are used naturally to guide the reader through the information. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparison between Manhattan and the other districts throughout the two-hundred-year period.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary. Phrases like 'increased dramatically', 'became increasingly dominant', 'surged', and 'accounted for' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is sophisticated and contributes to a professional tone suitable for an academic report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of flexibility to describe trends and proportions effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and accurate use of subordinate clauses. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over tense and sentence structure is consistent, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The clarity of the writing is enhanced by the precise use of comparative structures and accurate numerical reporting.

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