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 changes in the total population of new York city and the population distribute between Manhattan and the other four districts from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City increased dramatically during the period. While Manhattan had the largest share of the population in 1800, the other districts became increasingly dominant by 2000.

In 1800, New York City had a population of only 79,216. Manhattan accounted for 60,515 people, representing 76% of the total, whereas the other districts contained 18,701 people, or 24%. By 1900, the city's population had risen sharply to 3,437,202. Manhattan's population reached 1,850,093, but its share fell to 54%, while the other districts accounted for 46%.

BY 2000, the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Furthermore, the response is incomplete; it stops abruptly in the final paragraph, failing to report on the data for the year 2000 or provide a comprehensive summary of the five districts as requested. While the introduction and the first body paragraph successfully identify some main features and trends, the failure to complete the task means that the requirements are only partially addressed. To improve, you must ensure you cover all data points provided in the tables and complete your analysis within the required word limit.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', and 'by' are used to link ideas. However, the abrupt ending of the text disrupts the overall flow and coherence of the response. Because the essay is unfinished, the progression of ideas is halted, preventing a clear conclusion or a full synthesis of the data. To reach a higher band, ensure that your response is complete and that your paragraphs are balanced in length and depth.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'illustrate', 'dramatically', 'dominant', and 'accounted for' used correctly. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary is generally appropriate for an academic report. However, the range is somewhat limited, and the repetition of 'population' and 'districts' suggests a need for more varied synonyms. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe trends and proportions, such as 'proportion', 'constituted', or 'experienced a surge'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses starting with 'while' and 'whereas'. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, though there is a minor error in the opening sentence ('population distribute' should be 'population distribution'). The final sentence is a fragment, which is a result of the incomplete nature of the response. Overall, the grammar is clear and does not impede communication, but a wider variety of complex structures would be needed for a higher band.

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

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