Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-29

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 table depict the information regarding the total strength of population in New York city, and the other tables show the changes in the population.

Overall, the first tables contain the information about the population in New York from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables depict the modifications in the population of five districts of the city over a period of time.

As we can see, the population in New York city increased rapidly when compared to 1800 with 79,216 range of population to 8,009,185 in 2000. The other table represents the Manhattan's population there is a drastic downfall of it's population percentage from 76% to 19%, where there is a peak in the year 1900 with 1,850,093 population strength.Other districts: Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island are with a gradually increasing population as well as the percentage marking the highest in 2000 with 6,471,089 that is of 81% of the population.

In conclusion, the percentage of population increases with the spike in the population based on it's total number of people taken into consideration.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the data, such as the overall population growth and the shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other districts. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the peak in Manhattan in 1900, you do not provide enough specific data points to support the trends described. The comparison between the districts is also quite general. To improve, ensure you select more key data points (such as specific figures for 1800 or 2000 for the other districts) to illustrate the trends more clearly and provide a more comprehensive summary of the provided tables.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, including an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'The other table', 'As we can see'). The transition between the general population trend and the specific district data is abrupt. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly, and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'it's population') is used correctly to avoid ambiguity.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'drastic downfall', 'gradually increasing', and 'modifications'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'total strength of population' (which is unnatural) and 'percentage marking the highest'. Additionally, there are minor errors in word formation and usage, such as the misuse of 'it's' (it is) instead of the possessive 'its'. Expanding your range of academic collocations would help improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The table depict') and punctuation (e.g., 'it's' used incorrectly for possession). There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'are with a gradually increasing population'. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring the correct use of possessive pronouns versus contractions.

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