Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-06
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 7.5)
The first table illustrates changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables give information about the population change of the five districts of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) over the same period.
Overall, the total population of New York City increased substantially over the period given. Although the proportion of the total population of Manhattan decreased, the percentage of the other four districts increased significantly.
The number of individuals in New York City in 1800 was 79,216. These figures rose to 3,437,202 in 1900, and 8,009,185 in 2000. Similarly, the other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) increased from 18,701 in 1800 to 1,587,109 in 1900 and 6,471,089 in 2000 respectively. These figures were relatively lower than the total population of New York City. Furthermore, these numbers represented an increase of the total population from 24% in 1800, to 46% in 1900 and 81% in 2000 respectively.
By contrast, the values of Manhattan were 60,515 in 1800, 1,850,093 in 1900 and 1,538,096 in 2000. This represented a decrease as a percentage of the total population from 76% in 1800 to 54% in 1900 and 19% in 2000
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all parts of the task by comparing the total population growth with the shifting proportions of Manhattan versus the other four districts. The inclusion of specific data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 effectively supports your summary. To reach a higher band, ensure that your comparisons are always accurate; for instance, when discussing the 'other four districts', ensure the reader understands these are being compared against the total, which you handled well. The data selection is relevant and provides a comprehensive picture of the demographic shifts over the two centuries.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the total population and the district breakdown respectively. You use cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'Furthermore', and 'By contrast' to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general trends from the specific district details. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is effective and supports the overall clarity of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information accurately. Phrases like 'increased substantially', 'proportion of the total population', and 'demographic shifts' (implied) show good control. You use numerical data effectively to support your points. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more varied synonyms for 'increase' or 'decrease' and use more sophisticated collocations to describe trends, such as 'witnessed a marked decline' or 'experienced exponential growth'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with good control. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is generally accurate. There is a minor issue with the final sentence, which lacks a closing period, but this does not impede communication. You successfully use complex structures, such as 'Although the proportion... the percentage... increased', which demonstrates a good command of grammar. The occasional minor slips do not detract from the overall clarity of your writing, and the majority of your sentences are grammatically sound.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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