Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-21
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 7.0)
The given tables provide data on New York City’s population and changes in population of its five districts- Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island- over a period of 200 years from 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the total population of New York City increased more than a hundred times from 1800 to 2000. Simultaneously, there was an increase in total population of its districts, however, the population distribution varied to a great extent.
In the year 1800, Manhattan’s population, at 60515, was more than triple the population of all the other districts combined. Approximately 76% of individuals lived in Manhattan, compared to 24% who lived in the other four districts.
In the year 1900, there was a drastic change in population distribution. Although, there was an increase in population of Manhattan from just 60,515 to a staggering 1,850,093 individuals, there was a drop in the percentage of total population living in Manhattan from 76% to 54%. The percentage of total population living in other districts has almost doubled and total population of New York City rose to 3,437,202 individuals.
By the year 2000, the trend in population distribution had completely reversed. There was a decrease in population of Manhattan and only 19% of total population lived there. However, the population of other districts had increased to 6,471,089 individuals, and around 81% of population lived there. The total population of New York City went to as high as 8,009,185 individuals.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The student has written a well-rounded response that successfully covers all parts of the task. The overview clearly highlights the overall growth of New York City's population and the massive shift in population distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. Key data points, such as the initial 1800 population figures (60,515 in Manhattan versus 18,701 in other districts) and the final 2000 figures (1,538,096 versus 6,471,089), are accurately reported and appropriately contrasted with percentages. The student makes effective comparisons across time, noting the complete reversal of the demographic trend. All selected features are fully supported by the provided data, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression from the introduction through an overview and chronological body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a specific time period (1800, 1900, and 2000). Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Simultaneously', 'In the year 1800', 'Although', and 'By the year 2000' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Referencing is clear throughout, and the essay flows naturally without mechanical repetition or awkward transitions, achieving a high level of overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases like 'population distribution', 'drastic change', 'staggering', and 'completely reversed' show a good attempt at less common lexical items. Word choice is generally precise, although a few minor slips occur, such as the omission of articles in places ('population of Manhattan from just 60,515'). Nevertheless, the vocabulary is flexible enough to convey precise numerical and comparative data accurately, and spelling is entirely accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses ('Although, there was an increase in population...', 'Compared to 24% who lived...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong. Minor punctuation glitches, such as an unnecessary comma after 'Although', do not impede communication at all. Verb tenses are handled correctly when describing past statistical changes across different decades.
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