Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-24

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 first table provides the information about the changes in the total population of New York City from 1800 to 2000, while second and third tables illustrate the changes in the population of the five districts of the city over the same period.

Overall, the total population of all five districts of New York City increased over the period. However, As the year passed, the proportion of the total population of Manhattan decreased, although it's total population increased over the same period. In contrast, the percentage of the total population across all four districts except Manhattan increased over the period.

Regarding the population of New York City. In 1800, the total population accounted for 79,216, which increased to 3,437,202 in 1900. This figure increased gradually to 8,009,185 by the end of 2000. Looking at the figures of Manhattan. In 1800, this district reported 60,515 residents, accounting for 76% of the total population. However, in 1900 the total population increased to 1,850,093 although it's proportion decreased to 54%. By the end of 2000, the total population of Manhattan declined to 1,538,096, accounting for only 19%.

Turning to the figures of the remaining four districts such as Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island. In 1800, they accounted for 18,701 residents, sharing 24% of the total population. These proportion increased to 46% in 1900, accounting for 1,587,109 residents. Nevertheless, in 2000, this proportion rose to 81%, reporting 6,471,089 residents.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided a clear overview of the population changes. You effectively compared the total population growth with the shifting proportions of the five districts. The data is accurately reported, and the distinction between Manhattan and the other four districts is well-highlighted. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data points are presented with complete accuracy; for instance, you mentioned the total population in 1800 was 79,216, which is correct, but ensure that your comparisons between the districts are consistently precise throughout the report. Overall, the response covers all requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that group the data effectively. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Regarding', and 'Nevertheless' helps guide the reader through the information. However, some sentence structures are slightly fragmented, such as 'Looking at the figures of Manhattan.' and 'Turning to the figures of the remaining four districts such as Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island.' These would be more cohesive if integrated into full, flowing sentences. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different data sets.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly, using terms like 'accounted for', 'proportion', and 'declined'. There is an attempt to use varied reporting verbs and phrases. However, there are some minor errors in word choice and punctuation, such as the misuse of 'it's' (it is) instead of the possessive 'its'. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise academic collocations would enhance the sophistication of your writing. The range is sufficient for the task but lacks the flexibility required for the highest bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are recurring grammatical errors, particularly with possessive pronouns (e.g., 'it's total population' should be 'its total population') and sentence fragments. Some sentences are slightly disjointed due to punctuation choices. To improve, focus on ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb and that you distinguish between contractions and possessives. Despite these errors, the grammar does not impede communication, and you show a good attempt at using complex structures.

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

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