Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-02

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 provide information about the population of New York City as a whole and the populations of Manhattan and the other four districts between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the 200-year period. Although Manhattan had the largest population and accounted for the majority of the city’s residents in 1800 and 1900, its population declined by 2000. In contrast, the other four districts experienced substantial growth and became home to the vast majority of the city’s population.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of just 79,216, of which 60,515 (76%) lived in Manhattan. The remaining four districts contained only 18,701 people, representing 24% of the total. By 1900, the city’s population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan’s population also increased considerably to 1,850,093, although its share of the city’s population fell from 76% to 54%. Meanwhile, the other districts grew to 1,587,109, accounting for 46%.

By 2000, the total population had more than doubled from its 1900 figure, reaching 8,009,185. However, Manhattan’s population had fallen slightly to 1,538,096, and its proportion dropped dramatically to just 19%. In contrast, the population of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island increased to 6,471,089, meaning that these four districts collectively accounted for 81% of New York City’s population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the population shifts in New York City. You effectively selected key data points from the tables to support your summary, such as the percentage shifts between Manhattan and the other districts. The comparison between the 1800, 1900, and 2000 data is accurate and well-structured, allowing the reader to easily grasp the significant demographic transition from a Manhattan-centric population to one dominated by the other four districts. All parts of the task are fully addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction sets the context, the overview highlights the main trends, and the subsequent body paragraphs provide detailed supporting data. You have used cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Meanwhile', and 'However' effectively to signal shifts in the narrative. The paragraphing is skillful, and the information flows naturally from one point to the next without any confusion for the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'increased dramatically', 'accounted for the majority', 'risen sharply', and 'collectively accounted for' show a high level of control. The use of terminology is accurate, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You have successfully used a variety of reporting verbs and descriptive adverbs to convey the data clearly and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing is highly accurate with a wide range of complex sentence structures. You have used a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences effectively, such as the use of 'Although' clauses to contrast data points. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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