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 tables illustrate changes in the population of New York City as a whole and show how the population was distributed between Manhattan and the other four districts in 1800, 1900 and 2000.
Overall, New York City experienced a dramatic increase in population over the 200-year period. Although Manhattan accounted for the vast majority of residents in 1800, its share declined considerably, while the other districts became increasingly populated. Interestingly, Manhattan’s population itself fell slightly between 1900 and 2000.
In 1800, the total population of New York City stood at just 79,216, of whom 60,515 (76%) lived in Manhattan. The remaining 18,701 people, or 24%, resided in the other four districts. By 1900, the city’s population had risen dramatically to 3,437,202. Manhattan’s population increased to 1,850,093, although its proportion of the total fell to 54%. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts reached 1,587,109, representing 46% of the city’s residents.
By 2000, the total population had more than doubled from its 1900 level, reaching 8,009,185. In contrast to the overall trend, Manhattan’s population decreased to 1,538,096, and its share fell sharply to just 19%. The other districts experienced substantial growth, reaching 6,471,089 inhabitants, which accounted for 81% of New York City’s total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and effectively summarising the main features of the population changes in New York City from 1800 to 2000. Data is appropriately selected and accurately reported, such as mentioning that the total population stood at 79,216 in 1800 and rose to 8,009,185 by 2000. The response successfully highlights key comparisons between Manhattan and the other four districts over the 200-year period. Ideas are well-developed, and the selection of data supports the overall trends effectively without unnecessary mechanical listing of every single detail.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is logically sequenced from an introductory overview to specific data paragraphs detailing 1800, 1900, and 2000. Cohesive devices are used fluently and appropriately, such as 'Although', 'Meanwhile', and 'In contrast to the overall trend'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct and clear function in the structure of the essay. Referencing is clear and seamless throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 response. Uncommon lexical items such as 'dramatic increase', 'vast majority', 'proportion', and 'substantial growth' are used naturally and with a high degree of precision. Word choice and collocation are strong, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The use of phrases like 'resided in' and 'inhabitants' showcases a strong lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writer employs a wide range of complex structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring effective use of subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and relative clauses, such as 'of whom 60,515 (76%) lived in Manhattan' and 'reaching 6,471,089 inhabitants, which accounted for 81% of New York City’s total population'. Grammatical control and punctuation are handled with excellent precision, showing only rare minor slips, which justifies a high band score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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