Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-05

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 given tables depict information about variations in the total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. The other table provides data on changes in the total population of different districts of the city.

Overall, it can be clearly observed that the overall population in New York City increased gradually over the period of time. The maximum population was recorded in the final year.

To begin with, according to the first table, the total population was only 79,216 in 1800. However, after a century, the number of citizens increased rapidly to 3,437,202. Meanwhile, the total number of residents almost tripled by 2000. Turning to the next table, the population in Manhattan was 60,515, accounting for 76% of the total population in 1800. In the following century, the number of residents skyrocketed to 1,850,093, representing 54% of the total population.

Furthermore, the number of residents decreased slightly in 2000, accounting for only 19% of the total population. Moreover, in the other districts, the initial population in 1800 was only 18,701, representing 24% of the total share. Lastly, over the next two centuries, the total number of inhabitants increased steadily, reaching 46% and 81% of the total population in 1900 and 2000 respectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main trends and provides relevant data points from the tables. However, the analysis of the district data is somewhat confusing. You mention 'the other districts' as a collective group, but the prompt provides specific data for five distinct districts. By grouping them, you miss the opportunity to highlight the specific growth patterns of individual districts like Brooklyn or Queens, which is a key requirement for a high-scoring response. While you identify the overall trend of population growth, the report lacks a more detailed comparison between the specific districts, which would have provided a more comprehensive summary of the provided data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Meanwhile', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, the transition between the general population data and the district-specific data could be smoother. The reference to 'the other districts' is slightly vague, as it is unclear if you are referring to a specific subset or the remaining four districts combined. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general overview from the detailed analysis, which helps the reader follow the progression of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'skyrocketed', 'accounting for', and 'variations in' are used effectively. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though some word choices are slightly repetitive. For instance, the word 'total' is used frequently throughout the text. To improve, try to vary your terminology when referring to population figures or percentages to avoid redundancy. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response shows a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is generally handled well. There are occasional minor errors, such as 'over the period of time', which is slightly redundant. However, these errors do not interfere with the clarity of your writing. You have demonstrated the ability to use complex structures, such as participial phrases ('accounting for 76% of the total population'), which is a positive feature of your writing. Continued focus on refining sentence variety will help elevate your score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.