Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-12
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 first table illustrates the sum of people living in New York City in the year 1800, 1900 and 2000, whereas on the rest two tables, the total population and the rate of increase of population on the Manhattan district and four more districts of New York City respectively in the same years are given.
Overall, the number of people living in the New York City was on rise. However, the percentage of population growth of Manhattan district dropped as the year went by. Oppositely so, the other four districts underwent a steady rise in the same time period.
The population of New York City grew largely in 1900 with [redacted phone] people where it was only 79216 in 1800. Afterwards, it was increased to more than 2 times than that of 1900 in the year 2000.
The rate of increase of population showed a downward fall gradually starting from 76% in 1800, 54% in 1900 and lastly, 19% in 2000 in case of Manhattan. On the other hand, for the other districts, the rate was 24% in 1800, which rose to 46% in 1900 and finally, 81% in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all parts of the task by summarizing the total population and the trends in the five districts. You successfully identified the main features, such as the overall growth in NYC and the contrasting trends between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis is slightly hampered by minor inaccuracies in data reporting. For instance, stating the population 'increased to more than 2 times' is a bit vague compared to the specific figures provided. To reach a higher band, ensure that comparisons are more precise and that the data is interpreted with greater clarity to highlight the most significant changes over the two-century period.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from the general population to specific district trends. You use cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'however', 'oppositely so', and 'on the other hand' to link ideas. While the structure is sound, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the phrasing 'on the rest two tables' is awkward. Improving the flow between sentences and using a wider variety of linking words would enhance the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrates', 'underwent', and 'steady rise'. However, there are some instances of unnatural word choice and minor errors, such as 'sum of people' instead of 'total population', 'on rise' instead of 'on the rise', and 'downward fall', which is redundant. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing. Expanding your vocabulary to include more academic descriptors for trends (e.g., 'a gradual decline', 'a significant surge') will help you achieve a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'on the rest two tables' (should be 'in the other two tables'), 'the New York City' (no article needed), and 'it was increased' (passive voice is unnecessary here). Additionally, '2 times than that of' is grammatically incorrect; 'twice as many as' or 'double the figure of' would be more appropriate. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and correct article usage.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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