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 and 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 districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island).

Overall, the population steadily increased 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 rose 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 main trends in population growth and comparing the districts. You successfully highlighted the shift in population dominance from Manhattan to the other four districts. However, the analysis is somewhat descriptive, relying heavily on listing figures rather than synthesizing the data. To reach a higher band, focus on grouping the data more effectively to highlight the 'main features' rather than providing a chronological list of every statistic. The overview is clear, but the supporting details could be more analytical to better demonstrate the contrast between the two time periods.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'In 1800' and 'In 1900' to sequence the information. However, the transition between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of cohesive devices could be more varied to improve the flow. For example, the connection between the total population and the district breakdown could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the internal structure of the paragraphs could benefit from more sophisticated linking words to connect the data points more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'illustrates', 'demonstrates', and 'steadily increased'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the use of 'changes' and 'population'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms and collocations related to data description, such as 'surged', 'accounted for', or 'experienced a shift'. There are no significant spelling errors, but the lexical range is limited to the basic requirements of the task, which prevents a higher score in this criterion.

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 consistent grammatical inaccuracies, such as subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'Manhattan population is more' instead of 'was higher') and missing articles (e.g., 'in other four districts'). The tense usage is generally consistent with the historical data provided, but the lack of variety in sentence structure limits the score. Focusing on using more complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses or participial phrases, would help demonstrate better control and range.

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

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