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 first given table displays the changes in total population of New York city from 1800 to 2000. While the second and third given tables describe the changes in population in same years of five districts of city.
Overall, dating from 1800 the population of New York city increased till 2000. Same is the case for five districts but in contrast to Manhattan where the percentage of people living decreased in year 2000.
The population of New York city rose from 80,000 in 1800 to 3,437,702 in 1900 and 8,000,000 in 2000.
Manhattan's population increased from 60,515 in 1800 which is 76% of gross to 1,850,093 which was 54% of total population before falling to 1,538,096 in 2000 accumulating 19%.
By contrast the population of Brooklyn , the Bronx , Queens and State Islands grew from 18,701 which was 24% of whole to 1,587,109 in 1900 leading to an increase to 46% to 6,471,089 which was 81% in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the data, including the overall growth of New York City and the contrasting trends between Manhattan and the other districts. You successfully identified the key data points for 1800, 1900, and 2000. However, the analysis is somewhat limited; while you mention the percentage shifts, the explanation of these trends could be more detailed. The overview is present but slightly underdeveloped in terms of synthesizing the information across the two tables. To improve, ensure that the comparison between the districts is more clearly articulated throughout the report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas from the general city population to the specific district data. You use some cohesive devices such as 'While', 'Overall', and 'By contrast' to link your points. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing (e.g., 'Same is the case') is a bit informal. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between the sentences in the final paragraph could be smoother to better connect the data points for the four districts.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'accumulating', 'gross', and 'by contrast'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'gross' is not the most appropriate term for total population, and 'State Islands' is a slight error in the proper noun (Staten Island). The phrasing 'accumulating 19%' is also slightly unnatural in this context. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary to describe statistical trends and ensure accurate terminology for geographical names.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'in same years of five districts of city' (missing articles) and 'in contrast to Manhattan where the percentage of people living decreased in year 2000' (awkward phrasing). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and preposition issues throughout. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and sentence construction will help improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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