Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-13
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 THE CHANGES IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF NEW YORK CITY AND ITS FIVE DISTRICTS BETWEEN 1800 AND 2000.
OVERALL, POPULATION INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN NEW YORK CITY OVER THE YEARS. ALTHOUGH THE RATE OF TOTAL POPULATION IN MANHATTAN SUBSTANTIALLY DECREASED, REMAINING 4 DISTRICTS (BROOKLYN, BRONX, QUEENS, STATEN ISLAND) SHOWED AN INCREASED TREND IN THE GIVEN PERIOD.
IN 1800, THE TOTAL POPULATION IN NEW YORK CITY WAS 79,216. IT INCREASED TO ALMOST THRICE THE NUMBERS IN 1900 (3,437,202). THE HIGHEST NUMBER WAS IN 2000 (8,009,185).
MANHATTAN HAD THE HIGHEST RATE OF TOTAL POPULATION (76%), WITH THE LEAST NUMBER OF PEOPLE RESIDING IN THE DISTRICT (60,515). IN 1900 AND 2000, IT ACCOUNTED FOR 54% AND 19% RESPECTIVELY.
OTHER FOUR DISTRICTS INCLUDING BROOKLYN, BRONX, QUEENS AND STATEN ISLAND PROPORTIONS FOR 24% IN 1800 WITH LEAST NUMBER OF PEOPLE (18,701). BY CONTRAST, 81% ACCOUNTED FOR THE TOTAL POPULATION IN 2000 (6,471,089) AND 46% IN 1900 (1,587,109).
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main trends and provides data from the tables. However, there are significant inaccuracies in the interpretation of the data. For instance, you state that Manhattan's population 'substantially decreased,' but the data shows it grew from 60,515 to 1,537,195 over the two centuries. You also confuse the terms 'rate' and 'proportion' when discussing percentages. While you identify the overall increase in NYC, the analysis of the individual districts lacks precision, and the misinterpretation of the growth trends as decreases prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you carefully distinguish between absolute numbers and percentage shares.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the total population data from the district-specific data. Cohesive devices such as 'In 1800', 'By contrast', and 'Overall' are used to guide the reader. However, the connection between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the referencing of the 'other four districts' is slightly clunky. The progression of ideas is clear, but the internal logic within the final paragraph is weakened by the data interpretation errors noted in the Task Achievement section.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrate', 'substantially', 'accounted for', and 'proportions'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as using 'rate' when referring to a percentage share of the total population. Additionally, the phrase 'almost thrice the numbers' is slightly unnatural in this context. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Focusing on more precise collocations related to statistical reporting would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'remaining 4 districts... showed an increased trend' (should be 'increasing trend') and 'proportions for 24%' (should be 'accounted for 24%'). The use of capital letters throughout the entire response is inappropriate for formal writing and should be avoided. While these errors do not generally impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing statistical data.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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