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 and 2000. Overall, the population rose significantly throughout the period, while Manhattan recorded considerable increase in initial period, before dropping by 2000. Meanwhile, the population of other districts rose gradually and also the proportion of the total population. In 1800, the total population of New York was 79,216, while 76% of the total population lived in Manhattan, at 60,515, compared with 18,701 for other districts, which contributed 24% of the total population. By 1900, the total population increased to 3,437,202, while 54% of the population lived in Manhattan, with 1,850,093 citizens. Meanwhile, other districts stood at 46%, with 1,587,109 people. Turning to 2000, the total population increased significantly, reaching 8,009,185, with a gradual decline in Manhattan's population which dropped to 1,538,096, accounting to 19% of the total population. Meanwhile, other districts' population rose to 6,471,089, which accounted for 81% of the total population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the data well, identifying the overall growth trend and the shifting population distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. You have successfully selected key data points for 1800, 1900, and 2000 to illustrate these changes. However, the task asks for a summary of the five districts, but you have grouped them into 'Manhattan' and 'other districts' throughout. While this is a valid analytical approach, you could have achieved a higher band by briefly noting the individual growth of the other districts (e.g., the rapid rise of Brooklyn or Queens) to provide a more comprehensive overview of the data provided in the tables.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the centuries. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'Turning to', and 'By 1900' helps the reader follow the progression of the data. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is presented as a single block of text. To improve, you should separate the introduction/overview from the body paragraphs. Additionally, some transitions feel slightly repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'Meanwhile' to start sentences. Using a wider variety of cohesive markers would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrate', 'proportion', 'contributed', and 'accounting to'. There are some minor collocation issues, such as 'recorded considerable increase in initial period' (should be 'an increase in the initial period') and 'accounting to' (should be 'accounting for'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the more sophisticated, precise lexical choices that would characterize a higher band score. Focusing on more varied ways to describe statistical trends would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'while 76% of the total population lived in Manhattan, at 60,515' (the 'at' is unnecessary) and 'other districts' population rose' (missing possessive apostrophe). Additionally, the phrase 'while Manhattan recorded considerable increase' is missing an article. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the errors do not impede communication. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more error-free sentences and ensure consistent use of articles and possessive forms.

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

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