Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-30
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 group of tables underneath depicts the proportion of population of New York along with five distinct districts of the city in the span of two centuries.
After analysing the tables, it is evident that in the year 1800, population was least in all five districts of New York on comparing with other years.
A glance at the second as well as the third table, the data highlights that Manhattan maintained to be the most populated in first century as it occupied 74% and 54% of total population. However, the trend didn't last longer as it declined to 18% in the end year.
In contrast, other districts which are Brooklyn, Bronx,
Queens along with Staten Island started at a slow pace as they were 24% and 46% in [redacted phone] respectively, although they boomed rapidly by reaching their peak of 6,471,089 which comes to 81% of entire population of New York city.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response addresses the task by identifying the main trends in population growth. However, it fails to fully cover all parts of the data. The first table (total population) is mentioned but not adequately integrated into the analysis of the five districts. Furthermore, the data interpretation is inconsistent; for instance, the claim that Manhattan occupied 74% and 54% of the total population in the 'first century' is unclear and lacks precision regarding the specific years (1800 and 1900). The summary of the other districts is also somewhat confusing, as it groups them together in a way that obscures the individual trends shown in the tables. A more systematic approach to comparing the districts over the two-century period would have improved the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly inaccurate, such as 'A glance at the second as well as the third table, the data highlights that...' which is grammatically awkward. The progression of ideas is present but feels somewhat disjointed when moving between the general population trends and the specific district data. Referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when discussing the percentages for the combined districts. Improving the use of linking phrases and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus would enhance the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Phrases like 'started at a slow pace' and 'boomed rapidly' are acceptable but somewhat informal for an academic report. There are also some issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'in the end year' instead of 'by the final year' or 'at the end of the period'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it does not demonstrate a wide range of less common lexical items used with flexibility or precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the clarity of the message. For example, 'Manhattan maintained to be the most populated' is incorrect; it should be 'remained the most populated'. Additionally, 'on comparing with other years' is awkward phrasing. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases throughout the text. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band, as the control over complex structures is not consistent.
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