Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-26

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 9.0)

The tables compare the growth of the overall population in New York City alongside the demographic redistribution between Manhattan and its other four districts (Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) over a two-century span from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, New York City experienced massive population expansion over the two centuries. While Manhattan initially housed the clear majority of the city's residents, this demographic distribution reversed completely by 2000, with the outer districts dominating the total population share.

In 1800, New York City's total population stood at a modest 79,216 residents. The vast majority of these individuals lived in Manhattan, which accounted for 60,515 people or 76% of the city's total. By contrast, the combined population of the remaining four outer districts was only 18,701, representing just 24% of the total share.

Over the subsequent century, the city's overall population grew drastically to 3,437,202 by 1900. During this time, Manhattan's population peaked at 1,850,093, though its proportional share fell to 54%. Concurrently, the other districts witnessed immense growth, surging to 1,587,109 residents and claiming 46% of the city's populace.

By the year 2000, the total population of New York City had more than doubled again, reaching 8,009,185. While Manhattan's population experienced a moderate decline to 1,538,096 (dropping its share to an all-time low of 19%), the other districts exploded to 6,471,089 residents, capturing a dominant 81% of the total city population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 9.0

The response fully satisfies all requirements of Task 1. The candidate accurately summarises the main features and trends from the data without unnecessary padding or irrelevant details. A clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing both the overall population surge in New York City and the massive demographic shift from Manhattan to the outer districts. Specific numerical data for 1800, 1900, and 2000 are correctly selected and contrasted, such as Manhattan's drop from 76% in 1800 to 19% in 2000, and the corresponding rise in the outer districts. The information is factually accurate and well-grounded in the provided visual data, demonstrating a fully developed response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5

The report displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is structured sensibly with an introduction, an overview paragraph, and distinct body paragraphs tackling chronological milestones. Cohesive devices such as 'While', 'By contrast', 'Over the subsequent century', and 'Concurrently' are used very naturally and flexibly to guide the reader between ideas and compare datasets. Paragraphing is managed appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear and precise, ensuring an easy and smooth reading experience that aligns well with higher band descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.5

The lexical range demonstrated is wide, flexible, and entirely appropriate for an academic task report. The student employs precise vocabulary related to demographic trends and data analysis, such as 'demographic redistribution', 'proportional share', 'surging', 'concurrently', and 'exploded'. Word choices and collocations are used skillfully (e.g., 'massive population expansion', 'all-time low'). There are no noticeable inaccuracies in spelling or word formation, and the vocabulary facilitates natural and sophisticated communication of complex statistical information.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9.0

The student exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of flexibility and grammatical control. Sentences like 'While Manhattan initially housed the clear majority of the city's residents, this demographic distribution reversed completely by 2000...' showcase an ability to handle subordinate clauses effortlessly. The vast majority of sentences are completely error-free, with accurate punctuation and excellent control over tense consistency when describing historical data across different centuries. Only rare, minor slips would ever be possible to find, fully justifying a top band score.

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