Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-06
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 provide data on changing population trends of New York City and it's five districts over the period of three years.
Overall, the data displays a drastic increase in the population of New York city. Initially, the distrcit of Manhattan was the biggest contributor to population increase.
In year 1800, New York city started with a modest population of 79,216 people where, Manhattan was home to 76% of the total population with 60,515 people in comparison to other four districts that accounted for only 24% of the total population This trend remained unchanged in the year 1900, where Manhattan housed about 54% of the total population of New York city with other districts contributing to only 46% of total population.
However, this trend largely changed in 2000, where Manhanttan only accounted for 19% of the total population of the New York city. While, the other four districts housed 81% of the total population of New York city.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the data, identifying the shift in population distribution from Manhattan to the other districts. However, the task is not fully addressed because you only discuss three data points (1800, 1900, 2000) and fail to mention the other districts individually or provide a comprehensive overview of the total population growth trends. The introduction contains a significant factual error, stating the period is 'three years' rather than two centuries. To improve, ensure you accurately interpret the time frame and provide a more detailed breakdown of the trends across all categories provided in the tables.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas from the general overview to specific data points. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In year 1800', 'This trend remained unchanged', 'However, this trend largely changed'). Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the data points more fluidly. Paragraphing is present, but the structure of the body paragraphs could be more balanced to better group the information.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, but it is somewhat limited and repetitive. You use basic descriptors like 'modest' and 'drastic', which are appropriate, but there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise terminology to describe statistical trends. There are also minor spelling errors, such as 'distrcit' and 'Manhanttan'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more varied vocabulary related to data analysis, such as 'proportion', 'predominant', 'shift', or 'fluctuation', and ensure careful proofreading to avoid simple spelling slips.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as the misuse of the apostrophe in 'it's' (should be 'its') and inconsistent use of articles (e.g., 'in year 1800' instead of 'in the year 1800'). Punctuation is occasionally faulty, particularly with comma placement before 'where'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of definite articles when referring to specific years or locations.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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