Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17
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 8.5)
The three tables provide information about changes in the population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. The first table shows the total population, while the other two compare the population of Manhattan with that of the other four districts.
Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically over the period. Although Manhattan was the largest district in 1800 and 1900, its share of the city's population fell considerably by 2000. In contrast, the other four districts experienced substantial growth and accounted for the majority of the population at the end of the period.
In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216. Manhattan contained 60,515 people, representing 76% of the total, while the other districts had only 18,701 people, or 24%. By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan's population increased to 1,850,093, although its share decreased to 54%. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts reached 1,587,109, accounting for 46%.
By 2000, the total population had more than doubled compared with 1900, reaching 8,009,185. Interestingly, Manhattan's population fell to 1,538,096, and its proportion dropped dramatically to just 19%. In contrast, the other four districts grew considerably to 6,471,089 people, making up 81% of New York City's total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features, trends, and comparisons from all three tables. The introduction correctly outlines the scope of the data, and the overview clearly identifies the overall population increase, the declining relative share of Manhattan, and the substantial growth in the other districts. Specific figures for 1800, 1900, and 2000 are accurately cited, including both absolute populations and percentage shares (e.g., Manhattan falling from 76% in 1800 to 19% in 2000). The information is well-selected, fully supported by the text, and adheres strictly to the provided visual data without introducing outside assumptions or misinterpretations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is exceptionally well-organized, demonstrating a clear logical progression throughout. Information is grouped logically by time period, with each paragraph serving a distinct function. Cohesive devices are managed with precision and flexibility, avoiding mechanical repetition. For instance, the use of transitional phrases such as 'In contrast,' 'Although,' and 'Meanwhile' links ideas smoothly and establishes clear contrasts between Manhattan and the other districts. Paragraphing is used appropriately and effectively, contributing to a seamless and coherent reading experience.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
The student exhibits a wide and precise lexical resource that is well-suited to an academic report. Vocabulary choices are natural, sophisticated, and varied, featuring appropriate academic collocation and terms such as 'proportional drop,' 'substantial growth,' 'dramatically,' and 'accounted for.' There are no spelling or word-choice errors, and less common vocabulary items are integrated with full control and contextual appropriateness.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with full flexibility and high accuracy. Sentences feature subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and precise comparative structures (e.g., 'By 2000, the total population had more than doubled compared with 1900, reaching 8,009,185'). Punctuation and grammar are flawless, resulting in error-free execution throughout the entirety of the text.
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