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 given tables illustrarte the information about whole population of New York city between time period of 1800 to 2000, moreover, it also provide information about alters in the population of five districts of the city.

Overall, population of the New York city had increased in every century according to the first table. In addition, other two tables show the changes in population of five districts of the city including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island in the years 1800 to 2000.

However, the total population of New York city increases in every century, like in 1800 total population was 79,216, in 1900 it got increase and reached 3,437,202 and at last in 2000 the population increased and reached 8,009,185. Moreover, In Manhattan, the population in 1800 was moderate about 76% and acutual number is 60,515. In 1900 it got rose and reached 1850,093 and equal to 54%. At the end in 2000, the second large population ever record in this city was 1538,096 and equal to 19%.

The other districts including Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island, population also increased in every century and changed time to time. For instance, in 1800 the popultion was 18,701, which was the lowest population recorded and equal to 24%. It increased gradually and in 2000 the largest population seen is 6,471,089 and equal to 81% of total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the data, including the total population growth and the shifts in district proportions. However, the reporting of data is inconsistent and contains several inaccuracies. For example, the statement that Manhattan's population in 1900 was '1850,093' is a significant misreading of the provided table (1,850,093). Furthermore, the grouping of the other four districts is a good attempt at synthesis, but the analysis lacks precision in comparing the specific growth rates between these districts. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are transcribed accurately and that comparisons between the districts are more clearly delineated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'in every century' and 'in addition'. The transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is slightly abrupt. While the progression of ideas is generally clear, the referencing is sometimes confusing, particularly when discussing the 'other districts' as a collective group without clearly distinguishing their individual contributions to the overall trend.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. There are several spelling errors (e.g., 'illustrarte', 'acutual', 'popultion') and awkward phrasing, such as 'alters in the population' instead of 'changes' or 'fluctuations'. The use of 'moderate' to describe a percentage is also imprecise. While the student attempts to use some topic-specific vocabulary, the frequent errors in word choice and spelling prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on accurate terminology for describing trends and improving spelling will significantly enhance this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('it got rose'), subject-verb agreement errors ('total population... increases'), and punctuation errors in numbers (e.g., '1850,093'). While the meaning is generally conveyed, the frequency of these errors is noticeable. To improve, the student should focus on consistent tense usage when describing historical data and ensure that numbers are formatted correctly to avoid confusion.

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