Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-07
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 given tables provide data about changes in the population of New York city and its five districts ; Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island between 1800 and 2000.
Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the period. However, while Manhattan initially contained the majority of the city's residents, its share declined significantly, with most of the people eventually living in the other four districts.
In 1800, New York City's total population was only 76,216. Manhattan accounted for 60,515 people, or 76% of the total, whereas the other districts contained just 18,701 residents, representing 24%. By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan's population reached 1,850,093, although its proportion fell to 54%, while other districts accounted for 46%.
By 2000, the total population had increased further to 8,009,185. Interestingly, Manhattan's population declined drastically to 1,538,096, and its share fell to only 19%. In contrast, the population of the other districts rose to 6,471,089, showing the representation of 81% of city's total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses the task by summarizing the main trends in New York City's population growth and the shifting distribution across districts. You successfully identified the key features, such as the overall dramatic increase and the significant shift in population share from Manhattan to the other districts. The data is accurately reported, and the comparison between the initial state in 1800 and the final state in 2000 is clear. The inclusion of specific figures supports your points well, and the overview provides a concise summary of the main developments, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'In 1800', 'By 1900', 'By 2000', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the total population and the district-specific data is well-managed, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the comparison of trends over the two-century period.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a data-reporting task, using terms like 'dramatically', 'accounted for', 'sharply', and 'drastically'. The language is precise and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it could be further elevated by incorporating more varied synonyms for 'increased' or 'declined' to avoid repetition. However, the current usage is natural and effectively conveys the information without any errors that impede communication or cause confusion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response displays a good command of grammatical structures. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of 'while' and 'whereas' to contrast data points. Punctuation is generally accurate, although there is a minor error in the first paragraph where a semicolon is used incorrectly before a list ('districts ; Manhattan...'). Aside from this, the sentences are error-free and demonstrate a high level of control. The use of complex structures is consistent and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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