Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-26

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 table shows the data of changes in the population of New York City between 1800 to 2000. The first table illustrates the changes in total population, and second table demonstrates the changes of one district Manhattan. However, the third table shows the changes in population of other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island).

Overall, the population steadily increases in New York City districts. The Manhattan district population increases more as compared to other four districts between 1800 and 2000.

In 1800, Manhattan population is more as compared to other four districts (76% and 24%). In 1900, Manhattan population is higher than the other four districts (54% and 46%), but in 2000, other four districts population is greater than the Manhattan district (81% and 19%).

The total population of New York City increases rapidly. In 1800, the total population is 79,216 in which 60,515 is of Manhattan, and 18,701 of other four districts. In 1900, the total population is 3,437,202 in which 1,850,093 is of Manhattan, and 1,587,109 of other four districts. In 2000, the total population is 8,009,185 in which 1,538,096 is of Manhattan, and 6,471,089 of other four districts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all parts of the task by identifying the total population trends and comparing the distribution between Manhattan and the other four districts. You successfully selected the main features, such as the shift in population dominance from Manhattan to the other districts by 2000. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive and relies heavily on listing figures rather than synthesizing the data. To reach a higher band, focus on grouping the data more effectively and highlighting the most significant trends rather than providing a chronological list of every data point. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the main trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. There is a clear progression of ideas from the general population trends to the specific district comparisons. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'In 1800', 'In 1900', and 'In 2000' to start sentences. Using a wider variety of linking words and referencing techniques would improve the flow and make the connections between the data points more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Terms like 'illustrates', 'demonstrates', and 'steadily increases' are used appropriately. However, the vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. For example, the phrase 'population increases' is used multiple times. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms and precise terminology related to data description, such as 'surpassed', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a significant shift'. The errors in word choice are minor and do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, particularly with articles and prepositions (e.g., 'the data of changes', 'in which 60,515 is of Manhattan'). Additionally, there are some issues with tense consistency and subject-verb agreement. To achieve a higher band, focus on refining your control over complex structures and ensuring that articles and prepositions are used correctly. Despite these errors, the writing remains easy to follow.

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

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