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 compare Manhattan's population with that of New York's four other boroughs — Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island — in 1800, 1900, and 2000, showing both actual figures and percentage shares of the city's total population.

Overall, although both areas grew substantially in absolute terms, their proportional shares moved in opposite directions: Manhattan's dominance steadily eroded, while the other boroughs came to account for the vast majority of residents by 2000.

In 1800, Manhattan held 60,515 people, or 76% of the total, compared with just 18,701, or 24%, in the other boroughs. By 1900, both had grown considerably — Manhattan to 1,850,093 and the other boroughs to 1,587,109 — narrowing the gap to 54% versus 46%.

This shift accelerated over the next century. By 2000, Manhattan's population had dipped slightly to 1,538,096, just 19% of the total, while the other boroughs had surged to 6,471,089, or 81% — almost a complete reversal of the 1800 figures.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.5

The response fully and accurately addresses all parts of the task. It skillfully selects and reports the main features from the two tables, comparing Manhattan's population and percentage share with those of the other four boroughs across the three given years (1800, 1900, and 2000). The overview is exceptionally clear, highlighting the key trend that while both areas grew in absolute terms, their proportional shares inverted over the two centuries. Data is cited accurately, including figures for populations and percentages (e.g., Manhattan's decline from 76% to 19% and the corresponding rise in the other boroughs), fulfilling all the requirements of a Band 9 response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5

The report exhibits a logical organization and smooth progression throughout. Information is structured expertly: an introductory paragraph sets the context, followed by a clear overview paragraph that captures the primary macro-trend. The body paragraphs are sequenced chronologically, first detailing the 1800 and 1900 figures and then the 2000 shift. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and cohesive devices are employed naturally and unobtrusively (e.g., 'Overall, although...', 'By 1900...', 'This shift accelerated over the next century'). Reference and substitution are well managed, ensuring seamless transitions between ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary used with precision and natural control. Less common and academic lexical items are integrated skillfully to describe statistical data, such as 'dominance steadily eroded', 'absolute terms', 'proportional shares', and 'surged'. Word choice and collocations are accurate throughout, and there are no spelling or word-formation errors. The vocabulary supports the precise articulation of complex comparative trends required in academic writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. Sentences are structurally varied, incorporating subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and effective comparative constructions (e.g., 'Overall, although both areas grew substantially in absolute terms, their proportional shares moved in opposite directions...'). Punctuation is flawless, and grammar is completely controlled with no errors whatsoever present in the text.

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