Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-30
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 illustrate the total population of New York City as well as their distribution in five districts namely Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island over the same period.
Overall, it is clear that population of New York City increased considerably throughout the period Whereas percentage of Manhattan declined by 2000, and of other four districts (Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island) increased in number throughout the period.
In 1800, the total population was 79,216. Manhattan had the highest number of population, 60515 and constitute 76% of the total while other districts represent the least 24% which is equivalent to 18,701.
By 1900, total population of City increased to 3,437,202, while population of Manhattan increased by 1,850,093 although its share of the total fell to 54%. Other districts also face substantial growth, reaching 1,587,109 individuals and accounting for 46%.
In 2000, the total figure rose further to 8,009,185 but the population of Manhattan decreased significantly to 1,538,096 representing 19% of the total, whereas, population of other four districts had 6,471,089 individuals and its proportion rose to peak by 81%.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview. You have selected key data points to support your descriptions, such as the total population figures and the shifting percentages of Manhattan versus the other districts. However, there is a minor inaccuracy in the data interpretation: you stated that the population of Manhattan 'decreased significantly' by 2000, but the table shows an increase from 60,515 in 1800 to 1,538,096 in 2000. While its percentage share declined, the absolute number grew. Ensuring precise data interpretation is crucial for a higher band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In 1800', 'By 1900', and 'whereas' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, some sentences are slightly clunky, such as 'percentage of Manhattan declined by 2000, and of other four districts... increased in number'. The referencing could be smoother; for instance, 'its share' is clear, but the transition between the total population and the district breakdown could be more fluid to improve the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information clearly. Phrases like 'constitute 76% of the total', 'substantial growth', and 'representing 19% of the total' are appropriate for a Task 1 report. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'their distribution' (referring to population, which is uncountable) and 'other four districts had 6,471,089 individuals' (which is slightly awkward phrasing). Expanding your range of synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' would help elevate the lexical score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as missing articles ('percentage of Manhattan', 'population of City') and awkward phrasing ('its proportion rose to peak by 81%'). The use of commas is occasionally inconsistent, and some sentences are slightly run-on. To achieve a higher band, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and consistent use of articles, as well as refining the structure of complex sentences to ensure they are error-free.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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