Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 of New York City from 1800 to 2000. The second and third tables illustrate the population of the five districts (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island) over the same period.

Overall, the population of New York city increased significantly over the period. The percentages of total population for Manhattan declined, while the percentages of total population for other four(Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) cities increased by the end of 2000.

In 1800, New York had total of 79,216 population, from that the Manhattan had the highest amount of population stood at 76% with 60,515 numbers of people, while the other four cities (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) had only 18,701 of total population, which stood at 24%. In 1900, New York had 3,437,202 of total population, out of that almost the same amount of population was covered by the Manhattan and other four cities, accounted for 1,850,093 and 1,587,109 and stood at 54% and 46% respectively.

By the end of 2000, the New York grew with significant number of population at 8,009,185. The Manhattan had 1,538,096 which accounted for the percentages of total population at 19%, while the other four cities had 6,471,089 which accounted for most of the percentages of total population at 81%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends, specifically the significant growth in total population and the shift in distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. Key data points are selected to support these trends, such as the 1800 figures and the 2000 totals. However, the report could be improved by providing a more nuanced comparison of the intermediate period (1900) and ensuring all data is presented accurately. For instance, the phrasing 'almost the same amount of population was covered by the Manhattan and other four cities' in 1900 is slightly imprecise given the actual figures provided. Overall, the response covers the requirements well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on specific time periods. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'in contrast', and 'respectively' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'the other four(Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) cities' is a bit clunky. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis, which helps the reader follow the progression of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with clear attempts to use academic terminology such as 'illustrates', 'accounted for', and 'significant'. However, there are some awkward collocations and minor errors, such as 'New York had total of 79,216 population' (should be 'a total population of') and 'the percentages of total population at 19%'. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'the Manhattan had the highest amount of population' (unnecessary article) and 'the New York grew with significant number of population' (incorrect preposition and article usage). Punctuation is generally correct, but there are minor errors in article usage and pluralization throughout the text. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score.

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

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