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 tables illustrate the changes in the total population of New York City across five different districts between 1800 to 2000.
Overall, the population rose significantly throughout the period, while Manhattan recorded considerable increase in initial period, before dropping by 2000. Meanwhile, population of other districts rose gradually and also the proportion of total population.
In 1800, the total population of New York was 79,216, while 76% of population was belonging from Manhattan, at 60,515, compared with 18,701 for other districts, which contributed 24% in total population. By 1900, the total population increased to 3,437,202, while 54% contributed by Manhattan, with 1,850,093 citizens. Meanwhile, other districts stood at 46%, with 1,587,109 people.
Turning to 2000, total population increased significantly, reaching to 8,009,185, with a gradual decline in Manhattan's population which dropped to 1,538,096, contributing 19% of total population. Meanwhile, other districts population rose to 6,471,089, contributing 81% of total population.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the population changes in New York City and its districts. You have selected key data points from 1800, 1900, and 2000 to illustrate the shift from Manhattan-centric growth to the expansion of other districts. However, the analysis could be improved by explicitly mentioning the specific districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) rather than grouping them collectively as 'other districts' throughout the entire report. While the main features are covered, the comparison between the districts could be more detailed to fully satisfy the requirements for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In 1800', and 'Turning to 2000' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. However, the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced, and some transitions feel a bit mechanical. To improve, ensure that the relationship between the total population and the district-specific data is more fluidly integrated, rather than simply listing figures in consecutive sentences.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrate', 'considerable increase', and 'gradual decline'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in collocation and phrasing, such as 'belonging from' (should be 'belonged to' or 'accounted for') and 'contributed by' (which is used incorrectly in the passive voice). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise reporting verbs and nouns related to statistical trends, such as 'surged', 'plummeted', or 'accounted for a significant proportion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that persist. For example, 'reaching to 8,009,185' is incorrect (the verb 'reach' does not take a preposition), and '76% of population was belonging from' is grammatically awkward. There are also minor issues with article usage (e.g., '76% of the population'). Increasing the frequency of error-free complex sentences and refining your control over prepositions will help improve your score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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