Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-15

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 total population changes in New York City from 1800 to 2000 while the second and third chart compares the percentage of changes in the population between five districts of the city over the same period.

Overall, it can be seen that although the total population of the New York city increased over the decade, the percentage of population vary among the districts. While over the period, percentage of total population increased in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, the percentage decreased for Manhattan.

In 1800, the total population of New York City was 79,216 whereas Manhattan had the largest share of the total population at 76% and other districts had only 24%. In 1900, total population increased significantly to 3,437,202 while Manhattan made up 54% of total compared to other districts at 46%.

By contrast, in 2000 total population of New York City was 8,009,185 of them 81% population belonged to Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island while Manhattan had the smallest percentage of population at just 19% of total according to the data.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the population shifts. You have selected key data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 to illustrate the contrast between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the report could be improved by providing more specific comparisons between the districts themselves rather than grouping them all together as 'other districts' in the final paragraph. While you have covered the requirements, the analysis remains somewhat basic and could benefit from a more detailed synthesis of the data provided in the tables to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and supporting body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', and 'by contrast' to link ideas effectively. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally slightly mechanical. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas from the general trend to specific data points is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrates', 'significantly', and 'percentage'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies and repetitive phrasing, such as the repeated use of 'percentage of population' and 'total population'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms and precise collocations. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher band scores. Expanding your repertoire of reporting verbs and descriptive adjectives would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'although' and 'while' clauses. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'the New York city' (should be 'New York City'), 'percentage of population vary' (should be 'varies'), and 'of them 81% population belonged to' (which is slightly awkward phrasing). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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