Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The tables compare the changes in the population of New york city as a whole and it's five districts namely Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island from 1800 to 2000. Overall, there is a dramatic increase in the population of New york city. However, the proportion of the population of Manhattan fell drastically over this period. Meanwhile, a surge in the proportion of population of other districts was observed.

To begin with, in the year 1800 the population of New york city was 60,515 79,216 with Manhattan having the highest population of residents of 60,515 which makes up 76% of the population of New york. Whil the number of residents living in other districts was 18,701 which makes a proportion of 24%. Moreover, in the year 1900 the population of New york city increased to 3,437,202 and the number of residents living in Manhattan increased to 1,850,093 however, the proportion of residents living in Manhattan fell to 54% whereas the population in other districts increased to 1,587,109 and so did the proportion rose to 46%. Furthermore, in the year 2000 the overall, population of New york city increased to 8,009,185. As a result, the population of other districts increased to 6,471,089 making up 81% of the population of New york city. However, the population of Manhattan declined to 1,538,096 and so did it's proportion fell to 19%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main trends, specifically the overall population growth and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. You have selected relevant data points to support these trends. However, the report is slightly hampered by a lack of clarity in the initial data presentation. For instance, the phrase '60,515 79,216' is confusing and appears to be a transcription error. Additionally, while you mention the five districts, you do not provide specific data for the individual districts other than Manhattan, instead grouping them as 'other districts'. To reach a higher band, you should explicitly mention the growth of specific districts like Brooklyn or Queens to provide a more comprehensive summary of the provided tables.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a summary of trends. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'the population of New york city increased... the population of other districts increased...'). Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the chronological data points. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices and ensure that the flow between sentences is smoother by using more sophisticated referencing techniques rather than repeating the same noun phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'dramatic increase', 'surge', and 'proportion'. There are some minor errors in word choice and punctuation, such as 'it's' (possessive 'its' is required) and 'Whil' (spelling error). The vocabulary is generally functional and allows for clear communication of the data. To move into a higher band, incorporate more precise academic collocations and ensure that your spelling and possessive forms are consistently accurate. Avoid repeating the same phrases to describe growth; instead, use a wider variety of verbs and nouns to describe statistical changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are several grammatical slips, particularly with possessives ('it's' instead of 'its') and some awkward phrasing, such as 'so did it's proportion fell to 19%'. This is a double verb structure that is grammatically incorrect. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on ensuring that your complex sentences are constructed correctly and pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of possessive pronouns.

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

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