Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30
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 tables show how the population of New York City changed between 1800 and 2000, both overall and in Manhattan compared with the four other districts.
Overall, the city's population rose dramatically over the two centuries. Although Manhattan initially accounted for most residents, the other districts grew far faster and held the majority by 2000.
In 1800, New York City had only about 79,000 residents. This figure climbed to around 3.4 million in 1900 and reached just over 8 million in 2000, a roughly hundredfold increase. The fastest growth in proportional terms occurred in the nineteenth century, when the population rose more than forty-fold.
Manhattan's population grew from approximately 60,500 in 1800 to 1.85 million in 1900, but then fell to about 1.54 million in 2000. As a result, its share of the total dropped from 76% to 54% and then to just 19%. By contrast, the other districts rose from under 19,000 people (24%) to 1.59 million (46%) in 1900 and 6.47 million (81%) in 2000, so they overtook Manhattan between 1900 and 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| 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, making relevant comparisons, and using accurate data from the tables. For instance, the student correctly highlights the overall population growth from 79,216 in 1800 to over 8 million in 2000. Furthermore, the response successfully compares Manhattan's decline in percentage terms from 76% to 19% against the dramatic rise of the other districts from 24% to 81%. A clear overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the primary shift in population distribution over the two centuries. All data points cited are accurate and well-integrated to support the summary without unnecessary repetition.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5
The essay is exceptionally well-organized, with a clear and logical progression of ideas from the overall view to specific population figures and district comparisons. Paragraphing is used skillfully, with a dedicated introductory overview, a macro-level overview paragraph, a paragraph detailing the overall city growth, and a final paragraph contrasting Manhattan with the other districts. Cohesive devices are used naturally and unobtrusively, such as 'Although Manhattan initially accounted for', 'In 1800', and 'By contrast'. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a seamless and easy-to-follow read.
Lexical Resource: Band 8.0
The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource, utilizing sophisticated vocabulary and precise collocations appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'rose dramatically', 'roughly hundredfold increase', and 'proportional terms' showcase a strong command of language. Less common lexical items are handled skillfully, and word choices are natural throughout. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, allowing the precise communication of complex numerical and proportional data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5
The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used with full flexibility and high accuracy. The student effortlessly integrates subordinate clauses, such as 'Although Manhattan initially accounted for most residents, the other districts grew far faster...' and participial phrases like 'reaching just over 8 million in 2000, a roughly hundredfold increase.' Grammar and punctuation are controlled with near-native precision, and there are no structural errors or awkward phrasings that impede communication.
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