Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-18

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 8.0)

The tables illustrate changes in the overall population of New York City and compare the populations and proportions of Manhattan and the other four districts between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased considerably over the period. While Manhattan accounted for the majority of the city's population in 1800, the other four districts became the dominant population centre by 2000. Manhattan's population also declined slightly after 1900.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216, of whom 60,515 lived in Manhattan. This represented 76% of the city's population, compared with just 18,701 people (24%) in the other districts. By 1900, Manhattan's population had increased substantially to 1,850,093, although its proportion of the total had fallen to 54%. In 2000, the population of Manhattan decreased slightly to 1,538,096, and its share dropped further to 19%.

The other four districts experienced continuous population growth throughout the period. Their population rose from only 18,701 in 1800 to 1,587,109 in 1900, before reaching 6,471,089 in 2000. Consequently, their share of New York City's total population increased from 24% to 46% and then to 81%. Meanwhile, the overall population of the city grew from 79,216 to 3,437,202 in 1900 and finally to 8,009,185 in 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task fully and effectively. The response selects and accurately reports the main features from the tables, presenting both the overall population trajectory and the shifting dynamics between Manhattan and the other four districts. For instance, the student correctly notes that Manhattan accounted for 76% of the population in 1800 before declining to 19% in 2000, while the other districts grew from 24% to 81%. Key data points are cited accurately to support the comparisons, and an appropriate overview is established in the second paragraph, highlighting the contrasting trends between the central district and the periphery. The response meets all requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The text is logically organised with a clear progression from a general introduction and overview to specific body paragraphs detailing Manhattan and the other districts. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the visual data. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'although', 'Consequently', and 'Meanwhile' are managed very well to link ideas and establish contrast and sequence. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring the reader can easily follow the relationships between dates, districts, and population figures. Cohesion is smooth and unobtrusive, supporting the overall readability of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Vocabulary is used with precision to describe trends and proportions, featuring strong items and phrases such as 'accounted for the majority', 'declined slightly', 'increased substantially', and 'continuous population growth'. Word choices and collocations are natural and accurate. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors, and the vocabulary choices effectively contribute to a formal, objective academic tone throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The student successfully incorporates subordinate clauses, participial structures, and compound-complex sentences (e.g., 'While Manhattan accounted for the majority of the city's population in 1800, the other four districts became the dominant population centre by 2000'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and control over tense usage and punctuation is exemplary. Minor slips are absent, reflecting a very high standard of grammatical control.

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