Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-29

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 6.0)

The tables provide information about the total population changes from 1800 to 2000 in New York City and the percentage distribution of citizens in Manhattan and other four districts over the same period.

Overall, the New York City became overpopulated throughout the period, with the percentage of people living in Manhattan declined substantially, while it increased dramatically in other four districts by 2000.

There was 79,216 individuals live in the New York City in 1800, of those 60,515 lived in Manhattan, constituting 76% of the total and 18,701 persons lived in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, comprising almost a quarter, at 24%. However, the number of population increased significantly to reach nearly three million and half (3,437,202) in five disticts by 1900, with people in Manhattan accounted for 54% at 1,850,093 and remaining distributed over other four districts, standing at 46% (1,587,109).

By 2000, the New York City had become densely populated at nearly eight million (8,009,185). While Manhattan made up only 19% at 1,538,096, becoming less preferable district for living, other four districts experienced a dramatic rise in percentage to reach a peak of 81%, equivalent to 6,571,089.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main trends, 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 these observations. However, the analysis is slightly hampered by minor inaccuracies in data interpretation; for instance, you describe the population as 'overpopulated,' which is a subjective interpretation not supported by the data provided. Additionally, the phrasing 'nearly three million and half' is slightly awkward. To reach a higher band, ensure that all data is reported with precision and avoid adding subjective commentary that is not explicitly present in the source material.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. The use of cohesive devices such as 'While,' 'However,' and 'By 2000' helps to guide the reader through the data. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different time periods. To improve, ensure that referencing is always clear; for example, in the second paragraph, the phrase 'remaining distributed over other four districts' could be smoother. Overall, the flow of information is logical and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the trends, using terms like 'substantially,' 'dramatically,' and 'densely populated.' There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'becoming less preferable district' (should be 'a less preferable district') and 'number of population' (which is redundant; 'population' alone is sufficient). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on more precise collocations and avoiding redundant phrasing will strengthen your lexical performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'There was 79,216 individuals live' (should be 'There were 79,216 individuals living') and 'in five disticts' (spelling error). Additionally, the sentence 'the New York City became overpopulated' is missing an article. While you attempt complex structures, the frequency of these minor errors indicates that your control over grammar is not yet consistent enough for a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will lead to more error-free sentences.

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

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