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 tables give detailed information about total populations in New York City and its districts, between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that the population of New York City soared up over the period. Manhattan’s population dropped in the last century, while other districts continued to rose.

In 1800, New York’s total population was 79216, then rose up to [redacted phone] in 1900. After another century, it dramatically increased to the total of [redacted phone] in 2000.

Initially, residents living in Manhattan covered up 76% of total population in New York by 60515 people. In 1900, its population went up to [redacted phone] which is 54% population of New York. However, by 2000, its share dropped up to 19%, making up only [redacted phone] of total population.

Other districts had 18701 population making up only 24% of total population in 1800. By 1900, its population grew up to [redacted phone], covering 46% of the total scale. In 2000, it overcame Manhattan’s total population at [redacted phone], indicating 81% of residents lived in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the population changes. You have selected key data points to support your descriptions, such as the initial and final figures for New York City and the shift in the proportion of residents in Manhattan versus the other districts. However, the analysis could be improved by providing more specific comparisons between the individual districts rather than grouping them all as 'other districts'. While you have addressed all parts of the prompt, the reporting of data is sometimes slightly inaccurate (e.g., stating Manhattan's population dropped in the 'last century' when the data shows a decline between 1900 and 2000). Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information effectively. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Initially', 'However', and 'In 1900', which help to guide the reader. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes a bit mechanical, and there is a lack of variety in the linking phrases used. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general city data from the district-specific data, which aids the overall readability of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'soared', 'dramatically increased', and 'share'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'rose up' (redundant) and 'covering 46% of the total scale' (unnatural phrasing). While you attempt to use more precise language, some of these attempts result in slightly awkward expressions. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'continued to rose' (should be 'continued to rise'), 'dropped up to' (incorrect preposition), and '79216, then rose up to' (missing subject). While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout the report. To improve, focus on verb tense consistency and the correct use of prepositions when describing statistical trends.

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

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