Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-23

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 three tables illustrate the New York City total population and the proportion of the population in its five districts from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, New York City experienced a dramatic increase in its population from 1800 to 2000. However, the distribution of population changed considerably, as Manhattan's share declined steadily, while the other four districts became increasingly populated. Manhattan also experienced a slight fall in this period.

In 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216, of whom 60,515 lived in Manhattan, accounting for 76% of the total population, compared to only 24% or 18,701 people, living in the other four districts.

In 1900, the city's total population rose sharply to 3,437,202; Manhattan also experienced an increase in its population, but the proportion of its total fell to 56% of the total. Meanwhile, other districts accounted for 46% of the population and also increased.

By 2000, the city population increased to 8,009,185, by which Manhattan had fell steadily and shared only 19% of the total, whereas the other four districts showed the massive growth of 81% of total population of New York City. By the end of 2000, the majority of the city's population was living outside Manhattan.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends in the data, such as the overall population growth and the shift in distribution from Manhattan to the other four districts. You have included relevant data points to support your observations. However, there is a minor mathematical inconsistency in your description of the 1900 data: you state that the other districts accounted for 46% of the population, but the table shows 44%. Additionally, the phrase 'Manhattan also experienced a slight fall in this period' in the overview is slightly confusing as it contradicts the earlier mention of a 'dramatic increase' in the city's total population. Ensuring that your overview clearly distinguishes between absolute numbers and proportions would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Meanwhile', and 'By 2000' are used effectively to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows well from one point to the next. To reach a higher band, ensure that referencing is precise; for example, in the final paragraph, 'by which Manhattan had fell' is slightly awkward and could be improved by using a more direct cohesive link to the previous data points.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'dramatic increase', 'steadily', and 'proportion'. There are some minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'Manhattan had fell' (should be 'had fallen') and 'massive growth of 81% of total population' (which is slightly imprecise as it refers to a share rather than growth). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more varied synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' would enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. However, there are a few grammatical slips, such as 'Manhattan had fell' (incorrect past participle) and 'the other four districts showed the massive growth of 81% of total population' (missing article 'the'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do prevent the response from reaching the highest band. Focusing on consistent verb tense usage and article placement will help improve your accuracy.

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

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