Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-03
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 3 table represents the changes in the population of New York City over a period of 200 years between 1800 and 2000 , as well as the changes in the population of the five districts (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) of New York City over the same period.
Overall , the population of the New York City rose significantly over the period . Likewise , the five districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) also showed a drastic incline over period and covered the majority of total population by the end of 200 years . Meanwhile , Manhattan grew significantly by the first century covering half of the total population and showed a minute decline by the next 100 years .
At the beginning of the period , the total population of New York City was 79,216 . After a century , in 1900 the total population showed a significant increase jumping to 3,437,202 . By the end of the period the total population of the New York City was recorded at 8,009,185 . Regarding Manhattan, the population was recorded at 60,515 by the beginning of the period . By the next 100 years , the population of Manhattan rocketed to 1,850,093 which cover the 54% of the total population of New York City . At the end of the second century , the population dropped down to 1,538,096 ,which only covered the 19% of the total population .
In terms of other districts ( Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island),
the population was only 18,701 which covered the 24% of the total population by the beginning of the period . By the next 100 years the population surged to 1,587,109 which was the 46% of the total population of New York City . By the end of the year 2000 the population was at its peak 6,471,098 which covered 82% of the total population .
Overall , the population of the New York City rose significantly over the period . Likewise , the five districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) also showed a drastic incline over period and covered the majority of total population by the end of 200 years . Meanwhile , Manhattan grew significantly by the first century covering half of the total population and showed a minute decline by the next 100 years .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response covers all parts of the task and provides a clear overview of the trends. You have successfully selected and reported the main features, such as the overall growth of New York City and the contrasting trends between Manhattan and the other districts. The data is accurately cited, and the comparisons are relevant. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview is distinct and does not simply repeat the details found in the body paragraphs. The inclusion of the concluding paragraph, which repeats the overview, is unnecessary and slightly impacts the flow of the response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'At the beginning of the period', and 'In terms of' to guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is slightly problematic; the final paragraph is a near-verbatim repetition of the second paragraph, which creates a sense of redundancy rather than a cohesive conclusion. Paragraphing should be used to group distinct ideas, not to restate information already provided. Improving the variety of linking phrases would also enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'surged', 'rocketed', and 'drastic incline' to describe trends. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'The 3 table represents' (should be 'The three tables represent') and 'covered the 54% of the total' (the article 'the' is unnecessary before percentages). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Focusing on more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the 54% of the total population') and subject-verb agreement ('The 3 table represents'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to article usage and ensure that your sentence structures are grammatically sound.
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