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 tables illustrate changes in the overall population of New York City between 1800 and 2000, as well as changes in the populations of its five districts over the same period.

Overall, New York City experienced a **dramatic and sustained increase in population** during the two centuries. The total population rose from fewer than 80,000 people in 1800 to more than 8 million by 2000, representing an enormous expansion.

In 1800, the population of New York City stood at **79,216**. Over the following century, this figure increased more than fortyfold, reaching **3,437,202 in 1900**. Population growth continued during the twentieth century, although at a considerably slower rate, with the total reaching **8,009,185 by 2000**.

Thus, across the entire period, the city's population increased by almost **8 million people**. The most substantial proportional growth occurred between 1800 and 1900, when New York developed from a relatively small settlement into a major urban centre. By contrast, the population increase during the twentieth century was substantial in absolute terms, but much less dramatic proportionally.

The district-level figures provide further insight into how this overall growth was distributed among Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. These figures show that the expansion of New York City was accompanied by significant changes in the relative populations of its individual districts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have provided a clear overview and successfully identified the main trends in the total population. However, the task requires you to report on the second and third tables regarding the five districts. While you mention the districts in your final paragraph, you fail to provide any specific data or comparisons for them. This is a significant omission, as the prompt explicitly asks for information from all provided tables. To reach a higher band, you must integrate the district-specific data into your analysis, perhaps by grouping them or highlighting the most significant changes in specific districts over the two centuries.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In 1800', 'Over the following century', and 'By contrast', which help the reader follow the progression of your argument. Paragraphing is logical, and the information flows smoothly from the general trend to specific data points. The transition between the total population data and the mention of district-level figures is clear, although the lack of detail in the final section limits the overall cohesion of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'sustained increase', 'proportional growth', and 'urban centre' appropriately. The language is natural and precise, which allows for clear communication of the data. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To improve further, you could incorporate more varied vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'skyrocketed', 'plateaued', or 'marginal', to avoid repetition and add sophistication to your descriptions of the data points.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use accurate verb tenses and punctuation throughout the response. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede meaning. You demonstrate good control over complex structures, such as 'The most substantial proportional growth occurred between 1800 and 1900, when New York developed from a relatively small settlement into a major urban centre.' This level of accuracy is consistent and contributes to the overall readability of your writing.

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

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