Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-24
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 three tables provide information about the population of New York City and its five districts in 1800, 1900 and 2000.
Overall, the total population of New York City increased considerably over the period. However, although Manhattan accounted for the largest proportion of the city's population in 1800 and 1900, its share declined substantially, while the combined percentage of the other four districts increased.
Looking first at the total population, the figure stood at 79,216 in 1800 before rising dramatically to 3,437,202 in 1900. By 2000, it had increased further to 8,009,185.
Regarding Manhattan, its population rose from 60,515 in 1800 to 1,850,093 in 1900 before falling slightly to 1,538,096 in 2000. Its share of the total population also decreased significantly from 76% to 19% over the period. In contrast, the combined population of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island increased from 18,701 to 6,471,089, while their share rose from 24% to 81%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Task 1. It successfully covers all parts of the visual data by presenting the overall population trends of New York City alongside the specific data for Manhattan and the remaining four districts. A clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, highlighting the general upward trend of the total population and the significant shift in population distribution away from Manhattan. Key features are accurately selected and supported with precise figures from the tables, such as the total population figures in 1800, 1900, and 2000, as well as the percentage changes for Manhattan and the other districts. There are no notable omissions or factual errors, demonstrating a strong understanding of the underlying data.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into an introduction, an overview paragraph, a paragraph dedicated to the total population, and a final paragraph contrasting Manhattan with the other districts. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately. Cohesive devices are managed well, with smooth transitions such as "Overall", "Looking first at the total population", "Regarding Manhattan", and "In contrast" guiding the reader effortlessly through the data. Referencing is consistently clear, ensuring that the relationships between the figures and categories remain transparent at all times.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
The vocabulary used is precise and well-suited for an Academic Task 1 response. The writer employs a good range of functional vocabulary to describe trends and proportions, such as "increased considerably", "declined substantially", "rising dramatically", and "decreased significantly". There is also successful use of less common phrasing like "combined percentage" and "share of the total population". Word choice and collocations are accurate throughout, with no noticeable errors or awkward expressions that impede communication, reflecting a strong command of lexical resource.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0
The response demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences featuring subordinate clauses and participial phrases (e.g., "before rising dramatically to 3,437,202 in 1900"). The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, showcasing excellent control over tense usage, prepositions, and punctuation. The few complex structures attempted are handled with high accuracy, and there are no systematic errors that disrupt the flow or readability of the text. Control of grammar fully supports the clear presentation of comparative data.
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