Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-31

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 tables show the population of New York City and compare the population of Manhattan with the other four districts in 1800, 1900 and 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased significantly during the period. While Manhattan had the largest share of the population in 1800, the other districts became much more populated over time. By 2000, most of the city's population lived outside Manhattan.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216, of which 60,515 people lived in Manhattan. This represented 76% of the total population, while the other districts accounted for only 18,701 people, or 24%.

In 1900, the city's population had increased greatly to about 3.4 million. Manhattan had 1,850,093 residents, making up 54% of the total. In comparison, the other districts had 1,587,109 people, or 46%.

By 2000, the total population had reached approximately 8 million. However, Manhattan's population had fallen to 1,538,096, and its share decreased to only 19%. In contrast, the other four districts had grown to 6,471,089 people, representing 81% of the city's population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly identified the main trends in the total population and provided a logical comparison between Manhattan and the other districts across the three specified years. The data is accurately reported, and the inclusion of percentages adds depth to the analysis. The overview is concise and highlights the significant shift in population distribution, which is a key feature of the data. You have successfully selected and reported the most relevant information without becoming bogged down in unnecessary detail, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the overview to the specific data points for 1800, 1900, and 2000. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'In comparison', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to link ideas and contrast the districts. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly from one point to the next. The referencing is clear, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the data trends without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data accurately. Phrases like 'increased significantly', 'largest share', and 'accounted for' are used appropriately in an academic context. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is somewhat standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated synonyms for 'increased' or 'decreased' (e.g., 'surged', 'plummeted', 'witnessed a decline') and more varied ways to describe proportions, such as 'constituted' or 'represented a minor fraction'. Overall, the lexical control is good, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates good control over a variety of sentence structures. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'While Manhattan had the largest share of the population in 1800, the other districts became much more populated over time.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and the grammar is consistent throughout the text. There are no significant errors that hinder readability. To improve further, you could experiment with more advanced structures, such as participial phrases or passive voice constructions to vary the sentence rhythm, though the current level of accuracy is already quite high.

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