Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-14

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 table provide information about changes in population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. The first table shows the overall population, while the other two compares the population of Manhattan with that of the other four districts in terms of both figures and percentages.

Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the 200 year persiod. However, Manhattan's share of the total population declined substantially, while the other four districts experienced a remarkable increase in both population and percentage.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216 of whom 60,515 (76%) lived in Manhattan. By 1900, the city's population has risen sharply to 3,437,202, and Manhattan accounted for 1,850,093 people, or 54% of the total. Although Manhattan's population had grown considerably, its proportion of the city's residents had already fallen.

By 2000, the overall population had more than doubled from the 1900 figure, reaching 8,009,185. In contrast to the city-wide growth, Manhattan's population fell slightly to 1,538,096, representing just 19% of the total. Meanwhile, the combined population of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island increased dramatically, from only 18,701 in 1800 to 1,587,109 in 1900 before reaching 6,471,089 in 2000. Consequently, these four districts accounted for 81% of New York City's population by 2000, compared with just 24% in 1800.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features, selecting key data points, and making relevant comparisons between Manhattan and the other four districts of New York City. In the introduction, the writer outlines what the tables show. The overview captures the major trends, noting the dramatic overall population increase alongside the shifting balance between Manhattan and the other districts. Specific figures and percentages from 1800, 1900, and 2000 are accurately cited to support the description, such as New York City's total population reaching 8,009,185 in 2000 and Manhattan's share declining to 19%. The response is fully developed and well-supported, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The report demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped effectively, moving from a general introduction and overview to chronological analysis of the data across the specified years. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct time periods and thematic comparisons. Cohesive devices are managed well, using phrases like 'Overall,' 'In 1800,' 'By 1900,' and 'In contrast to' to guide the reader smoothly through the text. Referencing is clear, and cohesion is maintained naturally without feeling overly mechanical or obtrusive.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary items and phrases are used effectively, such as 'dramatically,' 'declined substantially,' 'remarkable increase,' and 'proportion of the city's residents.' Word choice and collocations are generally precise. There is a minor subject-verb agreement slip in the opening sentence ('The table provide' instead of 'provides'), but overall, the lexical control is strong, allowing for clear and precise reporting of statistical data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'of whom 60,515 (76%) lived in Manhattan' and 'representing just 19% of the total'). The majority of sentences are error-free. Control of grammar and tense consistency is generally strong across the different historical periods, handling past simple, past perfect, and present tenses appropriately. There is one minor tense slip ('By 1900, the city's population has risen' instead of 'had risen'), but this is an isolated occurrence and does not impede communication.

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