Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-21
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 given tables illustrate how the population of New York City and its areas changed from 1800 to 2000. The areas of New York City included in the table are Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island).
Overall, the population of New York increased significantly between the years 1800 to 2000. Moreover, the population of certain areas decreased massively. Conversely, a large number of areas saw a huge increase in number of people living there.
The number of residents in NYC in 1800 was 79,216. However, this number increased to 3,437,202 in 1900. Finally, in 2000 New York City had 8,009,185 citizens, which makes it the year, with the highest population as compared to all previous years.
76% of people used to live in Manhattan in 1800, whereas just 24% lived in other areas of New York. Nevertheless, the number of citizens moving to other parts increased in 1900. The number of people living in Manhattan increased to 1,850,093 from 60,515 in 1900. Nonetheless, its contribution to the total population reduced to 54%. On the other hand, the percentage of population living in Brooklyn, Bronz, Queens and Staten Islands rose to 46% from 24% in 1800. At last, citizens living in manhattan reached the lowest percentage of 19% in 2000. At the same time, other areas reached their peak population of 6,471,089.
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 covers the main features of the data, including the overall population growth and the shifting distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. You successfully identified the key trends and provided supporting data from the tables. However, the analysis could be more precise; for instance, you mention that the population of certain areas decreased massively, but the data shows that all districts experienced growth, just at different rates. To reach a higher band, ensure that your interpretation of the data is strictly accurate and avoid over-generalising trends that are not supported by the figures provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information by time period and location. You use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Conversely', and 'Nevertheless' to link ideas. While the progression is generally clear, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing of the districts could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows in a way that is easy for the reader to follow, which is a key requirement for this band level.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrate', 'significantly', and 'contribution'. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'Bronz' instead of 'Bronx' and 'Staten Islands' instead of 'Staten Island'. Additionally, phrases like 'massively' and 'huge' are somewhat informal for an academic report. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic collocations and ensure consistent accuracy in spelling, especially when referring to proper nouns provided in the prompt.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you show control over basic grammar, there are occasional errors, such as 'which makes it the year, with the highest population' (unnecessary comma) and 'At last, citizens living in manhattan' (capitalisation error). Most sentences are clear, and these minor errors do not impede communication. To achieve a higher score, aim for greater variety in complex sentence structures and ensure that punctuation and capitalisation are consistently accurate throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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