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 tables compare the changes in the total population of New York City and the total as well as, share of their population between Manhattan and the other four districts of this city (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) in 1800, 1900 and 2000.

Overall, New York City's total population has dramatically increased in 200 years. Although Manhattan's population climbed up in this period, its percentage of total population has decreased. Meanwhile, the other four districts' total population and share of overall population has moved up in this time.

In 1800, New York City's population was 79,216, whereas 60,515 (76%) were from Manhattan and 18,701 (24%) were from the other districts. Manhattan was the most populous district in that time. By 1900, this city's population significantly increased to 3,437,202 and Manhattan's population has climbed to 1,850,093 but its share of total people dramatically moved down to 54%. Conversely, the other four districts' population has gradually moved to 46% of total population and reached 1,587,109 residents.

New York City's inhabitants more than doubled between 1900 and 2000. The other districts' share of total population accounted for just over four-fifths which is 6,471,089 residents respectively, in contrast, Manhattan's population declined to 1,538,096 residents which is one-fifth of the proportion in this period.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the population shifts. You have successfully selected and reported the key data points for 1800, 1900, and 2000. The comparison between Manhattan and the other districts is well-integrated. However, the report could be improved by ensuring the data is presented with greater precision; for instance, the statement that the other districts accounted for 'just over four-fifths' in 2000 is slightly inaccurate based on the provided table, which shows a figure closer to 80% (6,471,089 out of 8,009,185). Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the significant changes over the two-century period.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'Conversely', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to signal shifts in focus. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time periods. The flow of information is generally smooth, although some transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. The referencing of data is clear, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the trends described.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'dramatically increased', 'significantly increased', and 'proportion' are used appropriately. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'moved up' and 'moved down', which are not ideal for academic writing. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise academic collocations related to data trends. While there are no major spelling errors, the word choice is sometimes slightly informal or imprecise, which limits the score to a 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' and 'whereas' to create contrast. While the majority of sentences are error-free, there are occasional slips in tense consistency, such as 'Manhattan's population has climbed' (should be 'had climbed' or 'climbed' to match the past context). Punctuation is generally accurate, though some phrasing is slightly awkward, such as 'total as well as, share of their population'. These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the essay from reaching the higher band for grammatical control.

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