Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-27

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 6.5)

The three tables illustrate the change of individuals across New York City and five districts of the city, namely Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, New York City and other districts trend was gradually upward throughout the period. On the other hand, Manhattan’s population was significantly declining.

In 1800, New York City was carrying the population approximately eight thousand people, it had been the most populated area at the time with Manhattan followed by around 60 thousand people or 76%, and the other districts at the bottom, by around 18 thousand people.

In 1900, New York City was increasing its population more than quadrupled from the previous, going up approximately three million people. Manhattan and the other districts had been increasing as well, from thousand to more than one million people at the time.

By 2000, New York City still dramatically increased its population, reaching around 8 million people. Contrary, Manhattan had a slightly decreased from around 1.8 million to 1.5 million people. The other districts had grown rapidly from approximately 1.5 million to around 6.5 million.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the population changes. You included data from the tables to support your points, such as the growth from 8,000 to 8 million. However, there are some inaccuracies in your data interpretation. For instance, you state Manhattan's population was 'significantly declining' throughout the period, but the data shows it grew from 60,000 to 1.8 million before a slight decline in the final century. Additionally, the term 'other districts' is used loosely; it would be more precise to list them or refer to them collectively as the outer boroughs. Ensure your data reporting is precise to fully meet the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs covering different time periods. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Overall,' 'On the other hand,' and 'By 2000,' which help the reader follow the progression of time. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to 'the other districts.' To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that the transition between the general city population and the specific district data is smoother.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the main points, using terms like 'quadrupled,' 'dramatically,' and 'rapidly.' However, there are some issues with word choice and collocation. For example, 'New York City was carrying the population' is unnatural; 'had a population of' would be better. Similarly, 'Contrary, Manhattan had a slightly decreased' contains grammatical errors in word form. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that your word forms (e.g., 'decrease' vs 'decreased') are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally hinder the reader. For example, 'New York City and other districts trend was gradually upward' lacks a possessive or proper structure, and 'Manhattan had a slightly decreased' is grammatically incorrect. There are also issues with article usage and tense consistency. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your complex sentences are constructed with accurate verb forms and appropriate prepositions.

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