Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-02

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 first table illustrates the number of total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. The other tables show the changes in the population of the five districts of the city in the same period.

Overall, over the period of time the number of population increased. In contrast, Manhattan city experienced sharp decrease, while other districts' s population increased significantly.

Looking first at table one, in 1800, the total population of all five districts was 79,216 which increased by

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the ability to address all parts of the task. While you have attempted to introduce the tables and provide an overview, the response stops abruptly after only 81 words. Consequently, the main features are not fully reported, and the necessary comparisons between the districts are missing. To improve, you must ensure you complete the analysis of all data points provided in the tables and meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response shows a basic attempt at logical organization by using an introductory paragraph and an overview. However, because the text is incomplete, it is difficult to assess the overall progression. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast' and 'Looking first at' is appropriate for the start of a report, but the lack of further development means the coherence of the response is severely compromised. To improve, focus on structuring your report with a clear introduction, a well-developed overview, and distinct body paragraphs that compare the data points effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'illustrates', 'experienced', and 'significantly' being used correctly. However, the range is limited due to the brevity of the response. There are minor issues, such as 'Manhattan city' (Manhattan is a district/borough, not a city) and the awkward phrasing 'number of total population'. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to data trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable', and ensure your word choices are contextually accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally clear, though there are some errors, such as the possessive 'districts' s' and the redundant 'number of total population'. The sentence structures are simple, and the response is too short to demonstrate a wide range of complex grammatical structures. To improve, focus on using a variety of sentence types, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, and pay closer attention to punctuation and possessive forms. Ensure that your subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the report.

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