Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-05

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 8.0)

The tables compare changes in the population of New York City as a whole and the distribution of residents between Manhattan and the other four districts from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the period. Although Manhattan remained highly populated, its proportion of the city's total population fell substantially, while the other four districts experienced the opposite trend.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216, of whom 60,515 (76%) lived in Manhattan. The remaining four districts accounted for only 18,701 people, or 24% of the total. By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. During this period, Manhattan's population reached 1,850,093, representing 54% of the total, while the other districts contained 1,587,109 people (46%).

By 2000, the total population had increased further to 8,009,185. However, Manhattan's population had fallen slightly to 1,538,096, and its share dropped dramatically to just 19%. In contrast, the population of the other four districts surged to 6,471,089, accounting for 81% of New York City's total population

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have successfully identified the main trends, such as the dramatic overall population growth and the shift in distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. The data is well-selected, and the comparisons between the years 1800, 1900, and 2000 are accurate and clearly presented. The inclusion of percentages adds depth to the analysis, allowing for a clear contrast between the districts. The overview is concise and provides a clear summary of the key features, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data chronologically. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'while', 'In contrast', and 'By 2000' are used effectively to guide the reader through the information. The progression of ideas is smooth, and each paragraph has a clear focus. The referencing is precise, and the structure of the report is professional and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'increased dramatically', 'remained highly populated', 'accounted for', and 'surged' are well-chosen and appropriate for an academic report. The use of terminology is accurate, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The vocabulary is sophisticated enough to convey the trends clearly and naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('of whom 60,515 lived in Manhattan') and participial phrases ('representing 54% of the total'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of tense and structure is excellent.

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