Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 first table illustrates drastic alteration in the total numbers of people in year 1800 to 2000.while second and third table shows that variation in numbers of inhabitants in five different cities over same period.

To begin with, all five districts in New York city population ratio was different . However the highest population in year 2000 it was steadily risen up just over the 8,009,185 while the total numbers of people ration was slightly increased in year 1800 and 1900 just over(79,216 total numbers 3,437 ,202.

Furthermore the second and third table shows the comparison of people ratio. there was represented in percentage. In 1800, Manhattan had a population of 60,515, accounting for 76% of the total population, while the other districts had only 18,701 people, or 24%. By 1900, the population of Manhattan had risen dramatically to 1,850,093, although its share had fallen to 54%. During the same period, the population of the other districts increased to 1,587,109, representing 46% of the total.

By 2000, Manhattan’s population had declined slightly to 1,538,096, and its proportion fell sharply to just 19%. Meanwhile, the population of the other districts increased substantially to 6,471,089, making up 81% of the total population.

Overall, Manhattan had the largest share of the total population in 1800, but its proportion decreased considerably over the following two centuries. In contrast, the other districts experienced a substantial increase in both population and their share of the total.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the data, including the overall population growth and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the introduction is poorly phrased, and the second paragraph contains confusing data presentation, such as the unclear reference to '8,009,185' and the jumbled figures for 1800 and 1900. While the key trends are identified, the lack of clarity in reporting specific data points hinders the overall effectiveness. The summary is present, but the execution of data reporting is inconsistent, which prevents a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression from the introduction to the body paragraphs and the final overview. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'In contrast' are used to link ideas. However, the referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the second paragraph where the connection between the population figures and the years is muddled. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the internal flow within the second paragraph is somewhat mechanical and lacks the sophistication required for a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with some successful attempts at using descriptive language such as 'drastic alteration', 'risen dramatically', and 'declined slightly'. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'total numbers of people ration' and 'steadily risen up'. The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but the lack of precision in some areas and the repetitive use of 'total numbers' and 'population' indicate a limited range of vocabulary for more complex reporting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('second and third table shows') and awkward sentence construction ('there was represented in percentage'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of parentheses and commas. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors is noticeable and occasionally distracts the reader. A wider range of error-free complex structures is needed to reach the next band level.

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