Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-02
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)
Writing Task - 1 3 Tables
The tables provide data of the total population of New York city over the period of three centuries. The data is further classified into two sub-tables with information about the population and percentage of total population of Manhattan in one table and data of other districts in another table.
Overall, it can be observed that the total population of New York city has been significantly increased over three centuries. From 1800 to 2000, the proportion of total population of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island has shown a positive increment. However, the proportion of total population has gradually decreased from 1800 to 2000.
To begin with the New York city, it has shown an increment in the population. In 1800, the total population of the New York city was 79,216 which has drastically turned into 3,437,202 in 1900. Finally, peaking at 8,009,185 in 2000.
In particular, the Manhattan district was initially holding the maximum percentage of total population which is 76% in 1800 with total population of 60,515. Later in 1900, the population was at its peak with 1,850,093 people holding 54% of total population. However, till 2000 the percentage of total population and the actual population dropped at 19% and 1,538,096 respectively.
On the other hand, all the remaining districts were less populated in 1800 with only 18,701 people holding 24% of total population. Although, the population stood to 1,587,109 contributing 46% of total population in 1900. Finally, the population peaking with 6,471,089 people contributing 81% of total population in 2000.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response effectively identifies the main trends in the data, such as the overall population growth and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. You have successfully selected key data points to support your summary. However, the task asks for a summary of the five districts, but you have grouped the four non-Manhattan districts together. While this is a valid analytical choice, it would be more comprehensive to mention the individual growth of these districts or at least acknowledge the specific data provided for them. The overview is clear, and the comparison between the start and end points is well-handled.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the total population data from the district-specific data. Cohesive devices such as 'In particular', 'On the other hand', and 'However' are used to guide the reader through the comparisons. The progression of ideas is smooth, although some transitions, such as 'To begin with the New York city', are slightly unnatural in an academic context. Overall, the structure supports the information well.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'significantly increased', 'positive increment', and 'drastically turned into' show an attempt to use varied language. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'positive increment' (which is redundant) and 'the population stood to' (which is not a standard collocation). The use of 'peaking at' and 'contributing' is appropriate for describing statistical data. Expanding your range of synonyms for 'increase' and 'decrease' would further improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'the total population of New York city has been significantly increased' (should be active voice: 'has increased') and 'the population was at its peak with 1,850,093 people holding 54% of total population' (missing articles). Despite these errors, your control of grammar is generally good, and the mistakes do not impede communication. Using more varied complex structures, such as relative clauses or participle phrases, would enhance the range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.