Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 and Staten Island.

Overall, the population of New York increased significantly between the years 1800 to 2000. Moreover, the population of Manhattan decreased massively. Conversely, a large number of areas saw a huge increase in people who lived there.

The number of residents in New York City 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 the previous years.

76% of people used to live in Manhattan in 1800, whereas just 24% lived in the other areas of New York. Nevertheless, the number of citizens moving to the 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, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island rose to 46% from 24% in 1800. Lastly, the citizens living in Manhattan reached the lowest percentage of 19% in 2000. At the same time, the other areas reached their peak population of 6,471,089, contributing 81% to the total population of New York City.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered the total population growth and the significant shift in distribution between Manhattan and the other districts. However, the analysis of the second table is slightly confusing; you mention that Manhattan's population 'decreased massively,' but the data shows an increase from 60,515 to 1,850,093 between 1800 and 1900. While its percentage share dropped, the absolute number grew significantly. Ensure you distinguish clearly between absolute numbers and percentage shares to avoid factual inaccuracies in your reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'Conversely,' and 'Nevertheless' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is generally smooth, moving from the total population to the specific district breakdown. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general trends from the detailed data. To reach a higher band, ensure that the transition between discussing absolute numbers and percentages is more seamless, as the current shift between these metrics occasionally feels slightly abrupt.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'contributing to the total population' and 'reached their peak' are used effectively. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'increased' and 'lived.' To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for growth and decline, such as 'surged,' 'plummeted,' or 'experienced a downward trend.' Additionally, be careful with word choice; describing a population increase as 'massively' is slightly informal for an Academic Task 1 report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and your control of grammar is generally good. Most sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are minor slips, such as 'which makes it the year, with the highest population,' where the comma is unnecessary. You also have a slight issue with subject-verb agreement or clarity in the phrase 'the number of citizens moving to the other parts increased,' which could be phrased more precisely. Overall, your grammar is stable and does not impede communication.

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