Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-28
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 6.0)
The table illustrate the total population of new york city and its five district include Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten island between 1800 and 2000.
Overall, population of New York increased all over the periods. Manhattan population showed a slight decrease throughout the period. While, other districts showed a significant increased throughout the period.
New York population was 79,216 in 1800. While it showed a significant increased and reached [redacted phone] in 1900 and [redacted phone] was in 2000.
On the other hand, in 1800 Manhattan population was 60515 with 76% . While other districts had 18701 by 24%. in 1900 Manhattan population steadily decreased and reached [redacted phone] by 54% and other districts population increased and accounted [redacted phone] by 46%
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified some main features, such as the overall population growth and the contrast between Manhattan and other districts, the analysis is incomplete. You have not included data for all districts or the full time period provided in the tables. To improve, ensure you cover all categories and time intervals presented in the prompt. The summary lacks the depth required for a higher band, as it omits key trends and comparisons between the specific districts over the 200-year span.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into short paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by the lack of sufficient detail and some mechanical use of cohesive devices. Phrases like 'On the other hand' and 'While' are used to connect ideas, but the transitions between sentences feel somewhat repetitive. The paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to group related data points, such as comparing the growth of the outer boroughs versus the decline or slower growth of Manhattan. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring a more sophisticated use of linking words will help improve the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher levels. You rely on basic terms like 'increased' and 'decreased' repeatedly. There are also some errors in word formation and usage, such as 'five district' (should be plural 'districts') and 'significant increased' (should be 'significant increase'). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for growth and decline, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', 'fluctuated', or 'experienced a steady rise'. Additionally, ensure accurate use of nouns and verbs to avoid grammatical errors that affect lexical accuracy.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The table illustrate' (subject-verb agreement error), 'population of New York increased all over the periods' (awkward phrasing), and 'accounted 1587109' (missing preposition 'for'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and incorrect capitalization of proper nouns like 'new york' and 'staten island'. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent use of articles, and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed with correct grammatical markers.
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