Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-05

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)

The tables provide information about changes in population of New York City and its five districts, namely Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island between 1800 and 2000.

Overall, it is crystal clear that New York City in 1900 had the maximum population, whereas in 1800 had the minimum population. Although, Manhattan was most populated district in 1800 and 1900, its population declined between 1900 and 2000.

It is apparent from the chart that in 1800, New York City had a total population of 79,216. Manhattan accounted for the 60,515, while other four districts together had only 18,701 people. By 1900, the city's population had rised to 3,437,202. Manhattan remained the largest district with 1,850,093, whereas combined population of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island was 1,577,109.

Moving further, in 2000, the total population had more than doubled to 8,009,185. However, Manhattan's population fell to 1,538,096 and at the same time, the other four districts reached to 6,471,089.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main trends and provides a clear overview of the population changes in NYC and its districts. You have selected key data points to support your summary, such as the total population figures for 1800, 1900, and 2000. However, the analysis could be improved by more explicitly comparing the growth rates of the individual districts rather than just grouping them as 'other four districts'. While you have covered the requirements, a more nuanced comparison of the specific districts (e.g., noting that Brooklyn experienced significant growth) would elevate the response to a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. Cohesive devices such as 'Moving further', 'It is apparent from', and 'whereas' are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed data analysis. The flow of information is smooth, and the reader can easily follow the progression of the data over the two-century period. The structure is clear and supports the overall purpose of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the data, such as 'accounted for', 'remained the largest', and 'more than doubled'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'rised' (the past participle of 'rise' is 'risen') and 'reached to' (the verb 'reach' does not require the preposition 'to'). Despite these minor slips, the vocabulary is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. The range is adequate to convey the information clearly without repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While there are some grammatical errors, such as the incorrect verb form 'rised' and the unnecessary preposition in 'reached to', these do not impede communication. The use of 'Although' at the start of a sentence is a good attempt at a complex structure, though the punctuation could be improved (e.g., 'Although Manhattan was the most populated district...'). Overall, the grammar is functional and clear, with enough variety to maintain the reader's interest.

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.