Academic Writing Task 1 · table

Population changes in New York City and its districts from 1800 to 2000

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. Write at least 150 words.

New York City (all five districts)

Year	Population
1800	79,216
1900	3,437,202
2000	8,009,185

Manhattan

Year	Population	As percentage (%) of total population
1800	60,515	76%
1900	1,850,093	54%
2000	1,538,096	19%

Other districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island)

Year	Population	As percentage (%) of total population
1800	18,701	24%
1900	1,587,109	46%
2000	6,471,089	81%

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Band 8 sample answer

The provided tables illustrate the population growth of New York City across three centuries, specifically comparing Manhattan with the other four districts: Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Overall, the city's total population increased significantly from 79,216 in 1800 to over 8 million by 2000. This growth was accompanied by a major demographic shift away from Manhattan toward the other districts.

In 1800, Manhattan was the primary hub of the city, housing 60,515 people, which accounted for 76% of the total population. By contrast, the other districts held only 18,701 residents, representing 24%. By 1900, the city's population had surged to 3,437,202. During this period, Manhattan's population grew to 1,850,093, yet its share of the total population dropped to 54%, while the other districts grew to 1,587,109, or 46%.

By 2000, the total population reached 8,009,185. Manhattan's population actually declined to 1,538,096, reducing its share to just 19%. Conversely, the other districts experienced explosive growth, reaching 6,471,089 residents and capturing 81% of the total population, marking a complete reversal of the demographic dominance observed in 1800.

176 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about tables

Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself.
Select; do not list every cell.
Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.

surged: increased very quickly and by a large amount
accounted for: made up a specific portion of a total
demographic shift: a change in the makeup of a population
dominance: the state of being more powerful or significant
conversely: used to introduce a statement that is opposite
substantial: of considerable importance, size, or worth

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

While the total population of New York City experienced substantial growth over the two centuries, there was a dramatic shift in the distribution of residents from Manhattan to the other four districts.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How do I describe tables?

Tables hide the trend: find the highest, lowest and biggest change yourself. Select; do not list every cell. Organise paragraphs by row or by column, whichever gives the clearer comparison.