Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10

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 illustrate population growth in New York City as a whole, alongside a comparison between Manhattan and the remaining four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) across three centuries: 1800, 1900, and 2000.

Overall, New York City experienced substantial population growth over the 200-year period. While Manhattan initially dominated the city's overall population, its demographic weight shifted dramatically toward the other districts by 2000.

In 1800, the total population stood at 79,216, with Manhattan accounting for 76% (60,515 residents) and the other districts holding just 24% (18,701 residents). By 1900, the overall population surged to over 3.4 million. Although Manhattan’s population rose sharply to 1,850,093, its share dropped to 54%, while the other districts surged to 1,587,109 (46%).

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the task achievement score. While the introduction and overview are clear and the data for 1800 and 1900 is accurately reported, the response fails to address the final data point (the year 2000) entirely. By omitting the final century, the response fails to cover all parts of the task. To improve, you must ensure all provided data points are included and that you meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the main features and comparisons.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph detailing the data. The use of cohesive devices such as 'while', 'although', and 'by 1900' helps to connect ideas effectively. However, because the response is incomplete and ends abruptly, the overall progression is interrupted. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the lack of a concluding section or a full analysis of the final data point prevents a higher score. Ensure that you complete the analysis of all provided information to maintain a logical flow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is accurate and appropriate for an academic report. Phrases such as 'demographic weight shifted', 'accounted for', and 'surged' demonstrate a good level of precision. The range is sufficient for the task, showing an ability to use less common items to describe trends and proportions. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To reach a higher band, continue to incorporate more varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'plateaued', or 'experienced a marginal increase', where applicable.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The grammar is generally strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The use of subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While Manhattan initially dominated...') is handled well. There are no major grammatical errors, and the punctuation is accurate. The sentences are clear and easy to follow. To improve, you could aim to include a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or more sophisticated comparative structures, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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