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 three provided tables illustrates the variations in the populace of New York City between 1800 and 2000 and changes in the population of the five districts of the city during the given period.
Overall, it is evident that the total number of citizens in New York city grew rapidly from 1800 to 2000 and the highest proportion of residents living in Manhattan to other districts in 2000.
At first glance, it is crystal clear that in 1800, 76% of 79,216 people of New York City were residing in Manhattan and 24% in other districts including Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island. In 1900, this difference in population of Manhattan and other districts dropped significantly to 54% of total population staying in Manhattan and rest 46% in other four districts.
Meanwhile, during 2000, least percentage of people lived in Manhattan which was 19% and around 81% resided in Brooklyn, Bronx, Queen and Staten Island. Over the given years, total number of cithens increased from 79,216 in 1800 to 8,009,185 in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main trends, such as the overall population growth and the shift in distribution across districts. However, the analysis is somewhat limited. While you correctly identify the 1800 and 2000 figures, you miss the opportunity to discuss the intermediate data points (1900) more effectively or compare the specific growth patterns of the individual districts (e.g., the rise of Brooklyn or the Bronx). The summary is accurate but lacks the depth required for a higher band, as it focuses heavily on percentages without fully exploring the significant numerical changes across all five districts provided in the tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Meanwhile' and 'At first glance', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the total population to the distribution percentages. However, the referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as in the second paragraph where the phrase 'highest proportion of residents living in Manhattan to other districts' is grammatically awkward and slightly confusing. Overall, the structure is functional and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'populace', 'variations', and 'residing'. However, there are some inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'total number of cithens' (spelling error) and 'least percentage of people lived in Manhattan'. The phrasing 'this difference in population... dropped significantly' is also slightly imprecise. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more sophisticated vocabulary and ensure that word choices are consistently natural and accurate in the context of describing statistical data.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The three provided tables illustrates' (subject-verb agreement) and 'rest 46% in other four districts' (missing article). Additionally, the sentence 'highest proportion of residents living in Manhattan to other districts in 2000' lacks a main verb. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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