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 former table compares the change in total population of New York City between 1800 and 2000. Other illustrates the changes in the population of the five districts from 1800 to 2000.

Overall, the population of New York City and other districts recorded an upward trend, which doubled in 2000. In contrast, Manhattan experienced fluctuation.

In 1800, New York City had relatively lower population of just 79,216. This figure than rose considerably from 3,437,202 in 1900 to 8,009,185 in 2000. Therefor city's population doubled between 1900 and 2000.

Manhattan was home to 60,515 population, accounted for 76% of city's total population in 1800. It's rose to 1.85 million population ( 54% ) in 1900. Interestingly, the population significantly fell to 1,538,096 with 19% in final year. On the other hand, combined population of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island continuously increased from just 18,701 (24%) to almost 81% of total population which was 6,471,089 in 2000.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main trends and provided relevant data to support your points. You covered the total population growth and the shifts in district populations. However, there are some inaccuracies in your analysis; for instance, you state the population 'doubled in 2000' compared to the total, but the data shows a much larger increase from 1800 to 2000. Additionally, the claim that the population 'doubled between 1900 and 2000' is mathematically incorrect based on the provided figures (3.4 million to 8 million is more than double). To reach a higher band, ensure your data interpretation is precise and that you clearly distinguish between the five districts rather than grouping them all together in a way that obscures individual trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs focusing on specific data points. You use some cohesive devices like 'In contrast,' 'In 1800,' and 'On the other hand' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'Other illustrates the changes,' which lacks a clear subject. The transition between the general city population and the specific district breakdown is functional, but the cohesion could be improved by using more varied linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus to guide the reader through the data more smoothly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'upward trend,' 'fluctuation,' and 'accounted for.' However, there are several instances of unnatural word choice and minor errors, such as 'The former table' (when referring to the first table) and 'It's rose' (a grammatical error affecting lexical precision). You also use 'with 19%' which is slightly awkward; 'at 19%' would be more natural. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing. Expanding your range of reporting verbs and descriptors would also help elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'This figure than rose' (should be 'then'), 'Therefor city's population' (missing article), and 'Manhattan was home to 60,515 population' (should be 'a population of 60,515'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, though they do not fully impede communication. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and proofreading for simple spelling or word-choice slips that occur during drafting.

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

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