Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-17

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 increase in the population of all five districts of New York City from 1800 to 2000. Overall, it is evident that the population of New York City increased significantly over the two-century period, with substantial growth recorded across the districts.

The second table provides information about the population growth of Manhattan between 1800 and 2000. According to the data, Manhattan experienced considerable changes in its population during this period. By 2000, its population accounted for approximately 19% of the total population of New York City. Although Manhattan remained one of the most populated districts, its share of the overall population became relatively smaller over time.

The third table presents the percentage increase in the populations of the other four districts of New York City. Collectively, these districts accounted for around 81% of the city's total population in 2000. This indicates that population growth was not concentrated solely in Manhattan, but was also distributed among the other districts. Therefore, the data demonstrate a substantial expansion of New York City's population and a significant shift in the distribution of residents across its districts over the 200-year period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a general overview but fails to report the specific data points required for a Task 1 response. While you mention the total population and the 19% figure for Manhattan, you omit almost all specific data from the tables, such as the population figures for 1800 or 2000, or the specific growth trends of the other districts. The task requires selecting and reporting main features with data support; by describing the tables in vague terms rather than citing the provided figures, you have not fully addressed the prompt. To improve, you must incorporate specific numbers and years to illustrate the trends you are describing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'According to the data,' 'Although,' and 'Therefore' helps to guide the reader through the text. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from the total population to specific district details. However, because the content lacks specific data, the cohesion feels somewhat disconnected from the actual information provided in the tables. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the logical flow is easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas, using terms like 'substantial growth,' 'accounted for,' and 'distributed.' The word choice is generally accurate and appropriate for an academic report. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the precision required to describe statistical data effectively. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied ways of describing trends, such as 'surged,' 'remained stagnant,' or 'experienced a gradual decline.' The current range is adequate for the task but lacks the flexibility and sophistication needed for higher scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinate clauses effectively, such as 'Although Manhattan remained one of the most populated districts...' and 'This indicates that population growth was not concentrated solely in Manhattan...'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. While the range of structures is sufficient, you could further improve by incorporating more varied sentence types, such as passive voice constructions to describe the data, which would enhance the academic tone of the report.

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

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