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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.
Band 9 answer with Explanation and vocabulary
The tables present data on the overall population of New York City between 1800 and 2000,
and show how the proportion of residents living in Manhattan compared with the other four districts changed over this period.
Overall, the population of New York City grew substantially across the two centuries.
Although Manhattan accounted for the overwhelming majority of inhabitants in 1800,
its share declined steadily as the other districts experienced far faster population expansion, resulting in a more balanced distribution by 2000.
In terms of total population, New York City had only 79,216 residents in 1800.
This figure rose sharply to around 3.4 million by 1900, representing a dramatic increase.
Growth continued, though at a slower pace, and the city reached just over 8 million inhabitants by 2000, indicating gradual stabilisation.
Manhattan’s population increased from 62,435 in 1800 to 1.85 million in 1900, but its proportion of the city fell from 78% to 56%.
By 2000, it accounted for only 19%, while the combined population of the other districts surged to 6.47 million, representing 81% of all residents.
Why is this a Band 9 essay?
Paragraph 1 – Paraphrase
The question statement is rewritten using advanced synonyms:
“present data,” “overall population,” “proportion of residents,” “changed over this period.”
There is no repetition of words or copied directly, which shows lexical resource.
Paragraph 2 – Overview
Gives two clear overall trends, which IELTS examiners expect:
Total population rose significantly.
Manhattan’s share decreased while other districts grew faster.
No numbers → overview stays general.
Paragraph 3 – Body 1
Describes total population change across the three years.
Uses trend vocabulary (rose sharply, dramatic increase, stabilisation).
Compares 1800 → 1900 → 2000 clearly.
Paragraph 4 – Body 2
Focuses on Manhattan vs. other districts.
Makes clear comparisons (dominant in 1800 → minority by 2000).
Uses precise data and percentages.
To achieve a high score, we need to use accurate grammar as well (Grammatical Range of accuracy). How did we use that grammar?
1. Complex Sentences
Used to show a high grammar range.
Examples:
Although Manhattan accounted for the overwhelming majority of inhabitants in 1800, its share declined steadily over the next two centuries.
While the population continued to grow, the rate of increase slowed after 1900.
2. Adverb Clause of Contrast
Shows advanced accuracy.
Examples:
Even though the population rose dramatically, Manhattan’s proportion dropped.
Whereas Manhattan dominated in 1800, the other districts became more populated by 2000.
3. Passive Structures
Used to avoid repetition and show variety.
Examples:
The tables are presented to illustrate changes…
The city population was recorded at 79,216 in 1800.
4. Cleft Sentences (High Band 9 feature)
Shows emphasis and variety.
Example:
What is most noticeable is the dramatic shift in population distribution.
5. Comparative Structures
Essential for Task 1.
Examples:
The other districts grew far faster than Manhattan.
The city was almost forty times larger in 1900 than in 1800.
6. Trend Language (Highly valued)
Shows advanced lexical + grammatical control.
Examples:
rose sharply
declined steadily
stabilised
surged to 6.47 million
7. Precise Quantification
Shows accuracy and clarity.
Examples:
just over 8 million
increased from 62,435 to 1.85 million
Hard words, Meanings, and Synonyms used in this Essay
1. Present data
Meaning: Show information
Synonyms: display, illustrate, outline, depict
2. Overall population
Meaning: Total number of people
Synonyms: total residents, entire population
3. Proportion
Meaning: Percentage or share of something
Synonyms: fraction, ratio, percentage, share
4. Changed over this period
Meaning: Became different with time
Synonyms: shifted, altered, evolved, transformed
5. Substantially
Meaning: By a large amount
Synonyms: significantly, considerably, markedly
6. Overwhelming majority
Meaning: Very large share
Synonyms: dominant share, vast majority, large proportion
7. Declined steadily
Meaning: Reduced gradually
Synonyms: dropped consistently, decreased gradually, fell progressively
8. Population expansion
Meaning: Increase in the number of people
Synonyms: growth, rise, enlargement, escalation
9. Balanced distribution
Meaning: Even spread
Synonyms: equal spread, more even pattern, well-distributed
10. Rose sharply
Meaning: Increased very quickly
Synonyms: surged, climbed rapidly, shot up
11. Dramatic increase
Meaning: Very big rise
Synonyms: substantial growth, steep rise, significant jump
12. Stabilisation
Meaning: Becoming steady
Synonyms: leveling off, flattening, slowing growth
13. Accounted for
Meaning: Made up a part of something
Synonyms: represented, comprised, constituted
14. Combined population
Meaning: Total of several groups added together
Synonyms: aggregate population, overall total, collective number
15. Surged
Meaning: Increased quickly and strongly
Synonyms: escalated, jumped, skyrocketed
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