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 tabular charts illustrates the changes in the total number of people lived in New York city between 1800 and 2000, whereas other table charts shows the changes in the population of the districts, broken down into Manhattan and other districts( Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island) of New York.

Overall, In 2000 New York recorded the highest population, where other districts had contributed large shares. Similarly, Manhattan shared the highest proportion in 1800.

Looking into the details, in 1800 New York population recorded 79216, where Manhattan shared accounted for 76%,followed by other districts 24%. Moreover, in 1900 city population increased around [redacted phone], where despite the decline in the proportion of contribution Manhattan had the highest share in comparison of other districts in that time period at 54% and 46% respectively .

However, in 2000 New York registered the highest population nearly [redacted phone], which was more than twice in comparison of last century. In contrast, other districts shared the highest proportion in all three centuries accounted for 81%, followed by Manhattan just 19%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the data, including the total population growth and the shifting proportions between Manhattan and the other districts. You successfully identified the key trends, such as the reversal of population dominance from Manhattan to the other districts over the two-century period. However, the report contains some inaccuracies in data interpretation; for instance, you state the 1900 population was 3,437,202, but the table indicates 3,437,202 was the 1900 figure for the total, which you correctly identified, but your comparison of the 2000 figure as 'more than twice' the previous century is slightly imprecise given the data. Ensure all figures are transcribed accurately to maintain a high level of task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that detail the changes over time. You use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'In contrast', and 'Moreover' to link ideas. While the progression is generally clear, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing of the 'other districts' could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. To improve, focus on varying your cohesive devices to ensure the flow between sentences feels more natural rather than relying on standard linking words at the start of every sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'proportion', 'registered', 'decline', and 'contribution'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'tabular charts illustrates' (should be 'The tables illustrate') and 'shared the highest proportion... accounted for 81%'. The phrasing 'in comparison of last century' is also slightly awkward. While you attempt to use more precise language, some errors persist. To reach a higher band, focus on more sophisticated collocations and ensure that your terminology for describing data trends is consistently accurate and natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('The tabular charts illustrates') and awkward phrasing ('number of people lived in New York city'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are some issues with spacing and capitalization (e.g., 'Overall, In 2000'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to basic subject-verb agreement and ensure that your complex sentences are constructed with greater grammatical precision.

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

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